Daily Catholic Mass Readings for January 24, 2026
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
Today's first reading from 2 Samuel presents David's profound grief upon learning of the deaths of Saul and his son Jonathan. Despite years of Saul's relentless pursuit and attempts on his life, David expresses genuine sorrow, tearing his garments, weeping, and fasting. His lament, particularly for Jonathan, is deeply moving, celebrating their bond and recognizing Saul's role in Israel. Meanwhile, the Gospel of Mark offers a brief glimpse into the early days of Jesus' ministry. So consumed by the crowds and His mission, Jesus and His disciples were unable to even eat. His own family, hearing of this intense dedication and the surrounding frenzy, concluded He had "gone out of His mind" and sought to take Him away.
These passages, though distinct in their narratives, both illuminate the complexities of human relationships and the challenges of discerning truth and intention. David's reaction to Saul's death transcends personal animosity, demonstrating a magnanimous spirit that mourns the loss of an anointed king and a dear friend. His capacity for love and sorrow, even for an adversary, speaks to a deeply formed character focused on the welfare of Israel. In contrast, Jesus' family, witnessing His overwhelming commitment to God's work, misinterprets His divine fervor as madness. Their concern, born perhaps of love but clouded by human understanding, highlights how genuine dedication to a spiritual calling can be misunderstood, even by those closest to us.
In our own lives, we are often tempted to hold onto grievances or judge quickly. David's lament challenges us to cultivate a heart that can mourn loss and recognize the inherent dignity in others, even those with whom we've had conflict, fostering forgiveness and compassion. Similarly, the misunderstanding faced by Jesus reminds us that living out our faith with true devotion may sometimes appear irrational or "mad" to the world, or even to our well-meaning loved ones who do not share our spiritual perspective. We are called to persevere in our commitment to God's will, trusting that His ways are higher than our own, and to show both a magnanimity of spirit and an unwavering fidelity to our calling, even in the face of misunderstanding.