Daily Catholic Mass Readings for January 27, 2026
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
Today's readings present two distinct yet harmonizing insights into our relationship with God and community. In the First Book of Samuel, we witness King David's exuberant procession as he brings the Ark of the Covenant, the symbol of God’s presence, into Jerusalem. David, learning of the blessings bestowed upon Obed-Edom because of the Ark's presence, understands the significance of God dwelling among His people. He dances with all his might, offers sacrifices, and blesses the entire multitude, establishing Jerusalem as a spiritual center and uniting his people under God's blessing. This display of profound devotion and joy highlights the proper reverence and welcome due to the Almighty.
The Gospel of Mark, conversely, shows Jesus redefining the very nature of family. When his mother and brothers seek him, Jesus points to those around him, declaring, "Whoever does the will of God, the same is my brother, and my sister and mother." This teaches us that while earthly ties are important, a deeper, spiritual kinship binds us in Christ. Just as David prioritized bringing God's presence into the heart of his kingdom with unreserved devotion, Jesus calls us to prioritize doing God's will as the foundation of our belonging. Our spiritual family transcends bloodlines, encompassing all who earnestly strive to live according to God’s commands.
Both passages challenge us to consider where our true allegiances lie and how we manifest our faith. Are we, like David, willing to offer our wholehearted praise and make space for God's presence in our lives, communities, and indeed, our very homes? Do we recognize and embrace the broader spiritual family, finding solidarity and kinship with all who seek to do God's will, thereby extending His kingdom on earth? This deep commitment to God's presence and His will forms the cornerstone of a blessed life, both individually and communally.