Daily Catholic Mass Readings for January 24, 2026
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
Today's first reading from 2 Samuel presents David's profound grief upon learning of the deaths of Saul and his son Jonathan. Despite years of Saul's relentless pursuit and attempts on his life, David expresses genuine sorrow, tearing his garments, weeping, and fasting. His lament, particularly for Jonathan, is deeply moving, celebrating their bond and recognizing Saul's role in Israel. Meanwhile, the Gospel of Mark offers a brief glimpse into the early days of Jesus' ministry. So consumed by the crowds and His mission, Jesus and His disciples were unable to even eat. His own family, hearing of this intense dedication and the surrounding frenzy, concluded He had "gone out of His mind" and sought to take Him away.
These passages, though distinct in their narratives, both illuminate the complexities of human relationships and the challenges of discerning truth and intention. David's reaction to Saul's death transcends personal animosity, demonstrating a magnanimous spirit that mourns the loss of an anointed king and a dear friend. His capacity for love and sorrow, even for an adversary, speaks to a deeply formed character focused on the welfare of Israel. In contrast, Jesus' family, witnessing His overwhelming commitment to God's work, misinterprets His divine fervor as madness. Their concern, born perhaps of love but clouded by human understanding, highlights how genuine dedication to a spiritual calling can be misunderstood, even by those closest to us.
In our own lives, we are often tempted to hold onto grievances or judge quickly. David's lament challenges us to cultivate a heart that can mourn loss and recognize the inherent dignity in others, even those with whom we've had conflict, fostering forgiveness and compassion. Similarly, the misunderstanding faced by Jesus reminds us that living out our faith with true devotion may sometimes appear irrational or "mad" to the world, or even to our well-meaning loved ones who do not share our spiritual perspective. We are called to persevere in our commitment to God's will, trusting that His ways are higher than our own, and to show both a magnanimity of spirit and an unwavering fidelity to our calling, even in the face of misunderstanding.