Daily Readings - Sat Jan 20 2018
First Reading - 2 Samuel 1.1-4, 11-12, 19, 23-27
2 Samuel
1Now it came to pass after the death of Saul, when David was returned from the slaughter of the Amalekites, and David had abode two days in Ziklag;2It came even to pass on the third day, that, behold, a man came out of the camp from Saul with his clothes rent, and earth upon his head: and so it was, when he came to David, that he fell to the earth, and did obeisance.3And David said unto him, From whence comest thou? And he said unto him, Out of the camp of Israel am I escaped.4And David said unto him, How went the matter? I pray thee, tell me. And he answered, That the people are fled from the battle, and many of the people also are fallen and dead; and Saul and Jonathan his son are dead also.11Then David took hold on his clothes, and rent them; and likewise all the men that were with him:12And they mourned, and wept, and fasted until even, for Saul, and for Jonathan his son, and for the people of the LORD, and for the house of Israel; because they were fallen by the sword.19The beauty of Israel is slain upon thy high places: how are the mighty fallen!23Saul and Jonathan were lovely and pleasant in their lives, and in their death they were not divided: they were swifter than eagles, they were stronger than lions.24Ye daughters of Israel, weep over Saul, who clothed you in scarlet, with other delights, who put on ornaments of gold upon your apparel.25How are the mighty fallen in the midst of the battle! O Jonathan, thou wast slain in thine high places.26I am distressed for thee, my brother Jonathan: very pleasant hast thou been unto me: thy love to me was wonderful, passing the love of women.27How are the mighty fallen, and the weapons of war perished!
Gospel - Mark 3.20-21
Sermon
In today’s readings, we encounter two powerful narratives that invite us to reflect on loyalty, sacrifice, and the challenges of following God’s will. The first reading from 2 Samuel presents David’s heartfelt lament over the death of King Saul and his son Jonathan. Despite Saul’s relentless pursuit of David, which had driven him into exile, David’s response is not one of triumph or relief but of profound grief. He tears his garments, weeps, and fasts, mourning not just the loss of a king but also the loss of a friend and brother. David’s lament is a testament to his deep humanity and his unwavering loyalty, even in the face of adversity. His words, “How could the valiant have fallen,” echo the universal human sorrow over the fragility of life and the fallenness of the world.
The Gospel reading from Mark shifts our focus to Jesus, who is surrounded by a crowd so large that he and his disciples cannot even eat. When Jesus’ family hears about the commotion, they set out to restrain him, thinking he has gone mad. This passage highlights the tension between Jesus’ divine mission and the concerns of those closest to him. Like David, Jesus is misunderstood by those who should know him best. His family’s reaction reflects the human tendency to doubt or fear what we do not fully understand. Yet, Jesus’ unwavering commitment to his Father’s will shows us the cost of discipleship and the sacrifices required to follow God’s plan.
Both readings remind us that faith often demands loyalty and perseverance in the face of misunderstanding or hardship. David’s lament teaches us the importance of compassion and integrity, even toward those who may have wronged us. Jesus’ example in Mark challenges us to remain faithful to our calling, even when others question our path. In our daily lives, we are called to embody this same spirit of loyalty and trust in God’s providence. Let us ask ourselves: Where am I being called to show compassion and integrity? How can I remain steadfast in my commitment to God, even when others do not understand? May we, like David and Jesus, trust in God’s plan and find the strength to follow Him, no matter the cost.