Daily Readings - Thu Jan 20 2022
1 Samuel
6As they were coming home, when David returned from striking down the Philistine, the women came out of all the cities of Israel, singing and dancing, to meet King Saul, with tambourines, with songs of joy, and with musical instruments.7And the women sang to one another as they celebrated, "Saul has struck down his thousands, and David his ten thousands."8And Saul was very angry, and this saying displeased him. He said, "They have ascribed to David ten thousands, and to me they have ascribed thousands, and what more can he have but the kingdom?"9And Saul eyed David from that day on.
1And Saul spoke to Jonathan his son and to all his servants, that they should kill David. But Jonathan, Saul's son, delighted much in David.2And Jonathan told David, "Saul my father seeks to kill you. Therefore be on your guard in the morning. Stay in a secret place and hide yourself.3And I will go out and stand beside my father in the field where you are, and I will speak to my father about you. And if I learn anything I will tell you."4And Jonathan spoke well of David to Saul his father and said to him, "Let not the king sin against his servant David, because he has not sinned against you, and because his deeds have brought good to you.5For he took his life in his hand and he struck down the Philistine, and the LORD worked a great salvation for all Israel. You saw it, and rejoiced. Why then will you sin against innocent blood by killing David without cause?"6And Saul listened to the voice of Jonathan. Saul swore, "As the LORD lives, he shall not be put to death."7And Jonathan called David, and Jonathan reported to him all these things. And Jonathan brought David to Saul, and he was in his presence as before.
Mark
7Jesus withdrew with his disciples to the sea, and a great crowd followed, from Galilee and Judea8and Jerusalem and Idumea and from beyond the Jordan and from around Tyre and Sidon. When the great crowd heard all that he was doing, they came to him.9And he told his disciples to have a boat ready for him because of the crowd, lest they crush him,10for he had healed many, so that all who had diseases pressed around him to touch him.11And whenever the unclean spirits saw him, they fell down before him and cried out, "You are the Son of God."12And he strictly ordered them not to make him known.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter two distinct narratives that invite us to reflect on themes of recognition, response, and the virtues of humility and loyalty. The first reading from 1 Samuel recounts the aftermath of David's victory over Goliath, where Saul's jealousy is kindled by the people's celebration of David. This jealousy leads Saul to plot against David, yet Jonathan, Saul's son, stands by David, advocating for his innocence and the good he has done. In contrast, the Gospel of Mark presents Jesus, whose miracles and healings draw large crowds, yet He chooses to keep a low profile, even silencing the unclean spirits who recognize Him as the Son of God.
The context of 1 Samuel is one of rising tension and human frailty. Saul, once a leader favored by God, becomes consumed by envy, fearing David's growing popularity. Jonathan, however, exemplifies loyalty and justice, standing up for David despite the danger. In Mark, Jesus' ministry is gaining momentum, yet He remains humble, avoiding the spotlight, and focusing on His mission rather than seeking acclaim. This contrast highlights different responses to recognition: Saul's jealousy versus Jonathan's loyalty, and Jesus' humility.
These readings relate to each other through the theme of recognition and response. In Samuel, recognition leads to jealousy and conflict, while in Mark, it leads to humility and restraint. This teaches us about handling success and recognition with grace. In our lives, we may face situations where others' success provokes envy, but we are called to respond with humility and support. Like Jonathan, we should stand by those treated unfairly and advocate for justice.
Applying these lessons, we learn to cultivate humility and trust in God's plan. Recognizing our place and not letting jealousy consume us, we should support others' successes. The value of loyal friendship and standing up for what is right is also emphasized. From Mark, we see the importance of humility, not seeking fame, and trusting in God's timing.
In conclusion, the moral lesson is clear: humility and trust in God are essential. We are called to recognize our own limitations and respond with grace, avoiding jealousy and embracing humility. Let us strive to be like Jonathan, loyal and just, and like Jesus, humble and focused on our mission. May we trust in God's plan and cultivate these virtues in our daily lives.