Daily Catholic Mass Readings for January 22, 2022
First Reading: 2 Samuel 1.1-4, 11-12, 19, 23-27
1After the death of Saul, when David had returned from striking down the Amalekites, David remained two days in Ziklag.2And on the third day, behold, a man came from Saul's camp, with his clothes torn and dirt on his head. And when he came to David, he fell to the ground and paid homage.3David said to him, "Where do you come from?" And he said to him, "I have escaped from the camp of Israel."4And David said to him, "How did it go? Tell me." And he answered, "The people fled from the battle, and also many of the people have fallen and are dead, and Saul and his son Jonathan are also dead."11Then David took hold of his clothes and tore them, and so did all the men who were with him.12And they mourned and wept and fasted until evening for Saul and for Jonathan his son and for the people of the LORD and for the house of Israel, because they had fallen by the sword.19"Your glory, O Israel, is slain on your high places! How the mighty have fallen!23"Saul and Jonathan, beloved and lovely! In life and in death they were not divided; they were swifter than eagles; they were stronger than lions.24"You daughters of Israel, weep over Saul, who clothed you luxuriously in scarlet, who put ornaments of gold on your apparel.25"How the mighty have fallen in the midst of the battle!"Jonathan lies slain on your high places.26I am distressed for you, my brother Jonathan; very pleasant have you been to me; your love to me was extraordinary, surpassing the love of women.27"How the mighty have fallen, and the weapons of war perished!"
Psalm 80
1Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel, you who lead Joseph like a flock! You who are enthroned upon the cherubim, shine forth.2Before Ephraim and Benjamin and Manasseh, stir up your might and come to save us!3Restore us, O God; let your face shine, that we may be saved!4O LORD God of hosts, how long will you be angry with your people's prayers?5You have fed them with the bread of tears and given them tears to drink in full measure.6You make us an object of contention for our neighbors, and our enemies laugh among themselves.7Restore us, O God of hosts; let your face shine, that we may be saved!8You brought a vine out of Egypt; you drove out the nations and planted it.9You cleared the ground for it; it took deep root and filled the land.10The mountains were covered with its shade, the mighty cedars with its branches.11It sent out its branches to the sea and its shoots to the River.12Why then have you broken down its walls, so that all who pass along the way pluck its fruit?13The boar from the forest ravages it, and all that move in the field feed on it.14Turn again, O God of hosts! Look down from heaven, and see; have regard for this vine,15the stock that your right hand planted, and for the son whom you made strong for yourself.16They have burned it with fire; they have cut it down; may they perish at the rebuke of your face!17But let your hand be on the man of your right hand, the son of man whom you have made strong for yourself!18Then we shall not turn back from you; give us life, and we will call upon your name!19Restore us, O LORD God of hosts! let your face shine, that we may be saved!
Gospel: Mark 3.20-21
Sermon
In today’s readings, we encounter profound emotions and pivotal moments that invite us to reflect on love, duty, and the sacrifices that come with following a higher calling. The first reading from 2 Samuel vividly portrays David’s grief over the deaths of Saul and Jonathan. Despite Saul’s pursuit of him, David mourns deeply, showing respect and sorrow. His lament for Jonathan, in particular, highlights a bond of love that transcends rivalry, teaching us about the depth of human connection and the importance of honoring even complicated relationships.
The Gospel from Mark presents a contrasting yet complementary scene. Jesus’ family, concerned by the crowds and his intense focus on his mission, believes he has gone mad. This moment underscores the tension between personal relationships and divine purpose. Jesus’ commitment to his ministry takes precedence, illustrating the sacrifices required when answering a higher call. Both readings, though different, remind us that love and duty can sometimes pull us in opposite directions, challenging us to find balance.
As we apply these lessons to our lives, we are reminded to love deeply, as David did, even in the face of adversity. We are also called to remain faithful to our calling, as Jesus exemplified, even when it demands difficult choices. Let us strive to honor our relationships while staying true to our commitments, trusting that in doing so, we navigate life’s challenges with grace and purpose.