Daily Readings - Tue Jan 23 2018
2 Samuel
12And it was told King David, "The LORD has blessed the household of Obed-edom and all that belongs to him, because of the ark of God." So David went and brought up the ark of God from the house of Obed-edom to the city of David with rejoicing.13And when those who bore the ark of the LORD had gone six steps, he sacrificed an ox and a fattened animal.14And David danced before the LORD with all his might. And David was wearing a linen ephod.15So David and all the house of Israel brought up the ark of the LORD with shouting and with the sound of the horn.17And they brought in the ark of the LORD and set it in its place, inside the tent that David had pitched for it. And David offered burnt offerings and peace offerings before the LORD.18And when David had finished offering the burnt offerings and the peace offerings, he blessed the people in the name of the LORD of hosts19and distributed among all the people, the whole multitude of Israel, both men and women, a cake of bread, a portion of meat, and a cake of raisins to each one. Then all the people departed, each to his house.
Mark
31And his mother and his brothers came, and standing outside they sent to him and called him.32And a crowd was sitting around him, and they said to him, "Your mother and your brothers are outside, seeking you."33And he answered them, "Who are my mother and my brothers?"34And looking about at those who sat around him, he said, "Here are my mother and my brothers!35Whoever does the will of God, he is my brother and sister and mother."
Sermon
In today’s readings, we encounter two powerful moments of faith and devotion. The first reading from 2 Samuel describes King David’s joyful procession as he brings the ark of the Lord into Jerusalem. The ark, a symbol of God’s presence among His people, is treated with reverence and celebration. David dances with abandon before the Lord, demonstrating his deep love and humility. This act of worship is not just a personal expression but a communal one, as all Israel gathers to rejoice in God’s presence. The reading concludes with David offering sacrifices and distributing gifts to the people, emphasizing the unity and gratitude that flow from worshiping God together.
The Gospel reading from Mark presents a different kind of challenge. Jesus is informed that His mother and brothers are outside, seeking Him. In response, He expands the definition of family beyond blood ties, declaring that those who do the will of God are His true brothers, sisters, and mother. This teaching underscores the radical nature of the Kingdom of God, where spiritual bonds take precedence over earthly ones. It is not about rejecting family, but about recognizing that our ultimate allegiance belongs to God and that our spiritual family is just as real and vital as our biological one.
Both readings invite us to reflect on our relationship with God and with one another. David’s example shows us the importance of rejoicing in God’s presence and living with humility and gratitude. Jesus’ words remind us that our truest identity comes from doing God’s will and belonging to His family. In our daily lives, let us strive to live with the same joy and abandon as David, and let us embrace the broader vision of family that Jesus offers. May we find our deepest fulfillment in living as children of God, united in love and purpose with all who seek to follow Him.