Daily Readings - Tue Jan 23 2018
First Reading - 2 Samuel 6.12b-15, 17-19
2 Samuel
And it was told king David, saying, The LORD hath blessed the house of Obededom, and all that pertaineth unto him, because of the ark of God. So David went and brought up the ark of God from the house of Obededom into the city of David with gladness.And it was so, that when they that bare the ark of the LORD had gone six paces, he sacrificed oxen and fatlings.And David danced before the LORD with all his might; and David was girded with a linen ephod.So David and all the house of Israel brought up the ark of the LORD with shouting, and with the sound of the trumpet.And they brought in the ark of the LORD, and set it in his place, in the midst of the tabernacle that David had pitched for it: and David offered burnt offerings and peace offerings before the LORD.And as soon as David had made an end of offering burnt offerings and peace offerings, he blessed the people in the name of the LORD of hosts.And he dealt among all the people, even among the whole multitude of Israel, as well to the women as men, to every one a cake of bread, and a good piece of flesh, and a flagon of wine. So all the people departed every one to his house.
Gospel - Mark 3.31-35
Mark
There came then his brethren and his mother, and, standing without, sent unto him, calling him.And the multitude sat about him, and they said unto him, Behold, thy mother and thy brethren without seek for thee.And he answered them, saying, Who is my mother, or my brethren?And he looked round about on them which sat about him, and said, Behold my mother and my brethren!For whosoever shall do the will of God, the same is my brother, and my sister, and mother.
Sermon
In today’s readings, we encounter two powerful moments of faith and devotion. The first reading from 2 Samuel describes King David’s joyful procession as he brings the ark of the Lord into Jerusalem. The ark, a symbol of God’s presence among His people, is treated with reverence and celebration. David dances with abandon before the Lord, demonstrating his deep love and humility. This act of worship is not just a personal expression but a communal one, as all Israel gathers to rejoice in God’s presence. The reading concludes with David offering sacrifices and distributing gifts to the people, emphasizing the unity and gratitude that flow from worshiping God together.
The Gospel reading from Mark presents a different kind of challenge. Jesus is informed that His mother and brothers are outside, seeking Him. In response, He expands the definition of family beyond blood ties, declaring that those who do the will of God are His true brothers, sisters, and mother. This teaching underscores the radical nature of the Kingdom of God, where spiritual bonds take precedence over earthly ones. It is not about rejecting family, but about recognizing that our ultimate allegiance belongs to God and that our spiritual family is just as real and vital as our biological one.
Both readings invite us to reflect on our relationship with God and with one another. David’s example shows us the importance of rejoicing in God’s presence and living with humility and gratitude. Jesus’ words remind us that our truest identity comes from doing God’s will and belonging to His family. In our daily lives, let us strive to live with the same joy and abandon as David, and let us embrace the broader vision of family that Jesus offers. May we find our deepest fulfillment in living as children of God, united in love and purpose with all who seek to follow Him.