Daily Catholic Mass Readings for January 22, 2026
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
The first reading reveals the immediate aftermath of David’s triumph, showcasing King Saul’s swift descent into envy. Despite David’s loyalty and service, the popular acclamation of David’s victories over his own ignited a dangerous jealousy in Saul, leading him to plot David’s death. It is in this dark moment that Jonathan, Saul’s own son, emerges as a figure of profound loyalty and moral courage, interceding for David and reminding his father of David’s innocence and God’s favor. Meanwhile, the Gospel of Mark presents Jesus at the height of his early ministry, surrounded by vast crowds from all regions, drawn by his healing power. So great was the demand that he required a boat to manage the multitude, as people pressed in just to touch him and be cured. Even the unclean spirits recognized his divine identity, crying out "You are the Son of God," only to be silenced by Jesus, who maintained control over the revelation of his mission.
Both passages speak to the profound impact of those favored by God. In 1 Samuel, we witness the destructive power of envy, illustrating how it can corrupt a leader’s heart and incite violence, while Jonathan’s actions stand as a testament to courageous love and selfless intercession. His willingness to speak truth to power and risk his own position for the sake of his friend is a powerful example for us today, reminding us to stand for justice and defend the innocent. In the Gospel, we see the boundless compassion of Christ, who draws all humanity to himself for healing. The pressing crowds seeking relief mirror the deep spiritual and physical needs of our own world. Jesus’ strategic withdrawal and his silencing of the demons emphasize his divine authority and wisdom in revealing his identity and mission on his own terms, rather than succumbing to popular demand or demonic recognition.
Reflecting on these accounts, we are challenged to examine our own hearts. Do we, like Saul, harbor envy when others are celebrated or succeed, allowing it to poison our relationships and darken our spirit? Or do we, like Jonathan, embody courageous love, interceding for others and championing what is right, even at personal cost? Furthermore, we are called to approach Jesus, the ultimate healer, with the same earnest desire as the crowds, recognizing him as the Son of God not merely through words, but through our trust and willingness to be transformed by his grace. In a world full of suffering and division, let us seek healing from Christ and be inspired to be instruments of courageous love and truth, reflecting his light to those around us.