Daily Catholic Mass Readings for January 18, 2024
First Reading: 1 Samuel 18.6-9; 19.1-7
6And it came to pass as they came, when David was returned from the slaughter of the Philistine, that the women came out of all cities of Israel, singing and dancing, to meet king Saul, with tabrets, with joy, and with instruments of musick.7And the women answered one another as they played, and said, Saul hath slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands.8And Saul was very wroth, and the saying displeased him; and he said, They have ascribed unto David ten thousands, and to me they have ascribed but thousands: and what can he have more but the kingdom?9And Saul eyed David from that day and forward.
1And Saul spake to Jonathan his son, and to all his servants, that they should kill David.2But Jonathan Saul's son delighted much in David: and Jonathan told David, saying, Saul my father seeketh to kill thee: now therefore, I pray thee, take heed to thyself until the morning, and abide in a secret place, and hide thyself:3And I will go out and stand beside my father in the field where thou art, and I will commune with my father of thee; and what I see, that I will tell thee.4And Jonathan spake good of David unto Saul his father, and said unto him, Let not the king sin against his servant, against David; because he hath not sinned against thee, and because his works have been to thee-ward very good:5For he did put his life in his hand, and slew the Philistine, and the LORD wrought a great salvation for all Israel: thou sawest it, and didst rejoice: wherefore then wilt thou sin against innocent blood, to slay David without a cause?6And Saul hearkened unto the voice of Jonathan: and Saul sware, As the LORD liveth, he shall not be slain.7And Jonathan called David, and Jonathan shewed him all those things. And Jonathan brought David to Saul, and he was in his presence, as in times past.
Psalm 56
1Be merciful unto me, O God: for man would swallow me up; he fighting daily oppresseth me.2Mine enemies would daily swallow me up: for they be many that fight against me, O thou most High.3What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee.4In God I will praise his word, in God I have put my trust; I will not fear what flesh can do unto me.5Every day they wrest my words: all their thoughts are against me for evil.6They gather themselves together, they hide themselves, they mark my steps, when they wait for my soul.7Shall they escape by iniquity? in thine anger cast down the people, O God.8Thou tellest my wanderings: put thou my tears into thy bottle: are they not in thy book?9When I cry unto thee, then shall mine enemies turn back: this I know; for God is for me.10In God will I praise his word: in the LORD will I praise his word.11In God have I put my trust: I will not be afraid what man can do unto me.12Thy vows are upon me, O God: I will render praises unto thee.13For thou hast delivered my soul from death: wilt not thou deliver my feet from falling, that I may walk before God in the light of the living?
Gospel: Mark 3.7-12
7But Jesus withdrew himself with his disciples to the sea: and a great multitude from Galilee followed him, and from Judaea,8And from Jerusalem, and from Idumaea, and from beyond Jordan; and they about Tyre and Sidon, a great multitude, when they had heard what great things he did, came unto him.9And he spake to his disciples, that a small ship should wait on him because of the multitude, lest they should throng him.10For he had healed many; insomuch that they pressed upon him for to touch him, as many as had plagues.11And unclean spirits, when they saw him, fell down before him, and cried, saying, Thou art the Son of God.12And he straitly charged them that they should not make him known.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter two distinct narratives that invite us to reflect on jealousy, humility, and trust in God. The first reading from 1 Samuel portrays David's triumph over the Philistine, which sparks Saul's jealousy. The women's praise of David's victory angers Saul, leading him to plot against David. However, Jonathan's loyalty and intervention highlight the contrast between Saul's jealousy and Jonathan's steadfast friendship. This narrative underscores the human struggle with envy and the importance of loyalty.
In the Gospel of Mark, we see Jesus surrounded by crowds seeking healing and recognition. Despite the unclean spirits acknowledging him as the Son of God, Jesus remains humble, instructing them not to reveal his identity. This humility and focus on his mission serve as a counterpoint to Saul's jealousy. Jesus's actions emphasize trust in God's plan and the importance of humility over human ambition.
These readings relate through their exploration of human emotions and divine humility. Saul's jealousy contrasts with Jonathan's loyalty, while Jesus's humility and focus on his mission offer a divine model. In our lives, we are called to recognize and manage our emotions, choosing humility and trust in God. Like Jonathan, we can stand by others in loyalty and truth, and like Jesus, we can remain humble, trusting in God's plan. Let us strive to embody these virtues, fostering a spirit of humility and trust in our daily lives.