Daily Catholic Mass Readings for January 20, 2024
First Reading: 2 Samuel 1.1-4, 11-12, 19, 23-27
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!
Psalm 80
1Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel, thou that leadest Joseph like a flock; thou that dwellest between the cherubims, shine forth.2Before Ephraim and Benjamin and Manasseh stir up thy strength, and come and save us.3Turn us again, O God, and cause thy face to shine; and we shall be saved.4O LORD God of hosts, how long wilt thou be angry against the prayer of thy people?5Thou feedest them with the bread of tears; and givest them tears to drink in great measure.6Thou makest us a strife unto our neighbours: and our enemies laugh among themselves.7Turn us again, O God of hosts, and cause thy face to shine; and we shall be saved.8Thou hast brought a vine out of Egypt: thou hast cast out the heathen, and planted it.9Thou preparedst room before it, and didst cause it to take deep root, and it filled the land.10The hills were covered with the shadow of it, and the boughs thereof were like the goodly cedars.11She sent out her boughs unto the sea, and her branches unto the river.12Why hast thou then broken down her hedges, so that all they which pass by the way do pluck her?13The boar out of the wood doth waste it, and the wild beast of the field doth devour it.14Return, we beseech thee, O God of hosts: look down from heaven, and behold, and visit this vine;15And the vineyard which thy right hand hath planted, and the branch that thou madest strong for thyself.16It is burned with fire, it is cut down: they perish at the rebuke of thy countenance.17Let thy hand be upon the man of thy right hand, upon the son of man whom thou madest strong for thyself.18So will not we go back from thee: quicken us, and we will call upon thy name.19Turn us again, O LORD God of hosts, cause thy face to shine; and we shall be saved.
Gospel: Mark 3.20-21
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter powerful narratives that invite us to reflect on love, loyalty, and the call to follow God's will. The first reading from 2 Samuel portrays David's profound grief over the deaths of Saul and Jonathan. Despite Saul's pursuit of him, David mourns Saul as Israel's anointed king and expresses deep sorrow for Jonathan, highlighting a bond of brotherhood that transcends circumstance. This passage reminds us of the importance of honoring others, even in the face of adversity, and the enduring power of true friendship.
In the Gospel, Mark describes a scene where Jesus' family, concerned by the crowds surrounding him, believes he has gone mad. Yet, Jesus remains steadfast in his mission, teaching and healing despite the chaos around him. This passage underscores the challenges of following God's call and the potential misunderstandings that can arise even from those closest to us. It invites us to reflect on our own commitment to our faith and how we prioritize God's will in our lives.
Both readings encourage us to embrace love and loyalty in our relationships and to remain faithful to our calling, even when faced with challenges. As we navigate our own lives, may we draw inspiration from David's example of honoring others and Jesus' unwavering dedication to his mission. Let us strive to live with such integrity and compassion, trusting in God's plan for us.