Daily Catholic Mass Readings for January 28, 2020
First Reading: 2 Samuel 6.12b-15, 17-19
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.
Psalm 24
1The earth is the LORD's and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein,2for he has founded it upon the seas and established it upon the rivers.3Who shall ascend the hill of the LORD? And who shall stand in his holy place?4He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to what is false and does not swear deceitfully.5He will receive blessing from the LORD and righteousness from the God of his salvation.6Such is the generation of those who seek him, who seek the face of the God of Jacob. Selah7Lift up your heads, O gates! And be lifted up, O ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in.8Who is this King of glory? The LORD, strong and mighty, the LORD, mighty in battle!9Lift up your heads, O gates! And lift them up, O ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in.10Who is this King of glory? The LORD of hosts, he is the King of glory! Selah
Gospel: Mark 3.31-35
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 profound expressions of faith and devotion. The first reading from 2 Samuel recounts the joyful procession of King David as he brings the Ark of the Covenant into Jerusalem. The Ark, a symbol of God’s presence among His people, is treated with reverence and celebration. David’s dance before the Lord, though unconventional, reflects his deep faith and joy in worship. His generosity in offering sacrifices and distributing food to all emphasizes his gratitude and recognition of God’s blessings.
In the Gospel, Jesus expands our understanding of family and belonging. When his biological relatives arrive, Jesus declares that his true family consists of those who do the will of God. This teaching challenges us to prioritize our spiritual relationships and to recognize that our ultimate allegiance is to God. Jesus’ words remind us that faith transcends blood ties, calling us to live according to God’s plan and purpose.
Both readings invite us to reflect on our commitment to God and how we express that commitment in our lives. Like David, we are called to worship with joy and generosity, trusting in God’s presence and provision. Like Jesus, we are reminded that our true identity and belonging are rooted in doing God’s will. Let us strive to live with faith, trust, and a willingness to follow God’s plan, knowing that we are part of a larger spiritual family united in His love.