Daily Readings - Sat Jan 20 2024
2 Samuel
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!"
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter powerful narratives that invite us to reflect on love, loyalty, and the call to follow God's will. The first reading from 2 Samuel portrays David's profound grief over the deaths of Saul and Jonathan. Despite Saul's pursuit of him, David mourns Saul as Israel's anointed king and expresses deep sorrow for Jonathan, highlighting a bond of brotherhood that transcends circumstance. This passage reminds us of the importance of honoring others, even in the face of adversity, and the enduring power of true friendship.
In the Gospel, Mark describes a scene where Jesus' family, concerned by the crowds surrounding him, believes he has gone mad. Yet, Jesus remains steadfast in his mission, teaching and healing despite the chaos around him. This passage underscores the challenges of following God's call and the potential misunderstandings that can arise even from those closest to us. It invites us to reflect on our own commitment to our faith and how we prioritize God's will in our lives.
Both readings encourage us to embrace love and loyalty in our relationships and to remain faithful to our calling, even when faced with challenges. As we navigate our own lives, may we draw inspiration from David's example of honoring others and Jesus' unwavering dedication to his mission. Let us strive to live with such integrity and compassion, trusting in God's plan for us.