Daily Catholic Mass Readings for January 27, 2026
First Reading: 2 Samuel 6.12b-15, 17-19
12And 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.13And it was so, that when they that bare the ark of the LORD had gone six paces, he sacrificed oxen and fatlings.14And David danced before the LORD with all his might; and David was girded with a linen ephod.15So David and all the house of Israel brought up the ark of the LORD with shouting, and with the sound of the trumpet.17And 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.18And 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.19And 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.
Psalm 24
1The earth is the LORD'S, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.2For he hath founded it upon the seas, and established it upon the floods.3Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD? or who shall stand in his holy place?4He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully.5He shall receive the blessing from the LORD, and righteousness from the God of his salvation.6This is the generation of them that seek him, that seek thy face, O Jacob. Selah.7Lift up your heads, O ye gates; and be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in.8Who is this King of glory? The LORD strong and mighty, the LORD mighty in battle.9Lift up your heads, O ye gates; even lift them up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in.10Who is this King of glory? The LORD of hosts, he is the King of glory. Selah.
Gospel: Mark 3.31-35
31There came then his brethren and his mother, and, standing without, sent unto him, calling him.32And the multitude sat about him, and they said unto him, Behold, thy mother and thy brethren without seek for thee.33And he answered them, saying, Who is my mother, or my brethren?34And he looked round about on them which sat about him, and said, Behold my mother and my brethren!35For whosoever shall do the will of God, the same is my brother, and my sister, and mother.
Sermon
Today's readings present two distinct yet harmonizing insights into our relationship with God and community. In the First Book of Samuel, we witness King David's exuberant procession as he brings the Ark of the Covenant, the symbol of God’s presence, into Jerusalem. David, learning of the blessings bestowed upon Obed-Edom because of the Ark's presence, understands the significance of God dwelling among His people. He dances with all his might, offers sacrifices, and blesses the entire multitude, establishing Jerusalem as a spiritual center and uniting his people under God's blessing. This display of profound devotion and joy highlights the proper reverence and welcome due to the Almighty.
The Gospel of Mark, conversely, shows Jesus redefining the very nature of family. When his mother and brothers seek him, Jesus points to those around him, declaring, "Whoever does the will of God, the same is my brother, and my sister and mother." This teaches us that while earthly ties are important, a deeper, spiritual kinship binds us in Christ. Just as David prioritized bringing God's presence into the heart of his kingdom with unreserved devotion, Jesus calls us to prioritize doing God's will as the foundation of our belonging. Our spiritual family transcends bloodlines, encompassing all who earnestly strive to live according to God’s commands.
Both passages challenge us to consider where our true allegiances lie and how we manifest our faith. Are we, like David, willing to offer our wholehearted praise and make space for God's presence in our lives, communities, and indeed, our very homes? Do we recognize and embrace the broader spiritual family, finding solidarity and kinship with all who seek to do God's will, thereby extending His kingdom on earth? This deep commitment to God's presence and His will forms the cornerstone of a blessed life, both individually and communally.