Daily Readings - Sat Jan 20 2018
2 Samuel
1After the death of Saul, David returned from defeating the Amalekites and stayed in Ziklag two days.2On the third day a man arrived from Saul's camp, with his clothes torn and with dust on his head. When he came to David, he fell to the ground to pay him honor.3"Where have you come from?" David asked him. He answered, "I have escaped from the Israelite camp."4"What happened?" David asked. "Tell me." He said, "The men fled from the battle. Many of them fell and died. And Saul and his son Jonathan are dead."11Then David and all the men with him took hold of their clothes and tore them.12They mourned and wept and fasted till evening for Saul and his son Jonathan, and for the army of the LORD and the house of Israel, because they had fallen by the sword.19"Your glory, O Israel, lies slain on your heights. How the mighty have fallen!23"Saul and Jonathan- in life they were loved and gracious, and in death they were not parted. They were swifter than eagles, they were stronger than lions.24"O daughters of Israel, weep for Saul, who clothed you in scarlet and finery, who adorned your garments with ornaments of gold.25"How the mighty have fallen in battle! Jonathan lies slain on your heights.26I grieve for you, Jonathan my brother; you were very dear to me. Your love for me was wonderful, more wonderful than that of women.27"How the mighty have fallen! The weapons of war have perished!"
Sermon
In today’s readings, we encounter two powerful narratives that invite us to reflect on loyalty, sacrifice, and the challenges of following God’s will. The first reading from 2 Samuel presents David’s heartfelt lament over the death of King Saul and his son Jonathan. Despite Saul’s relentless pursuit of David, which had driven him into exile, David’s response is not one of triumph or relief but of profound grief. He tears his garments, weeps, and fasts, mourning not just the loss of a king but also the loss of a friend and brother. David’s lament is a testament to his deep humanity and his unwavering loyalty, even in the face of adversity. His words, “How could the valiant have fallen,” echo the universal human sorrow over the fragility of life and the fallenness of the world.
The Gospel reading from Mark shifts our focus to Jesus, who is surrounded by a crowd so large that he and his disciples cannot even eat. When Jesus’ family hears about the commotion, they set out to restrain him, thinking he has gone mad. This passage highlights the tension between Jesus’ divine mission and the concerns of those closest to him. Like David, Jesus is misunderstood by those who should know him best. His family’s reaction reflects the human tendency to doubt or fear what we do not fully understand. Yet, Jesus’ unwavering commitment to his Father’s will shows us the cost of discipleship and the sacrifices required to follow God’s plan.
Both readings remind us that faith often demands loyalty and perseverance in the face of misunderstanding or hardship. David’s lament teaches us the importance of compassion and integrity, even toward those who may have wronged us. Jesus’ example in Mark challenges us to remain faithful to our calling, even when others question our path. In our daily lives, we are called to embody this same spirit of loyalty and trust in God’s providence. Let us ask ourselves: Where am I being called to show compassion and integrity? How can I remain steadfast in my commitment to God, even when others do not understand? May we, like David and Jesus, trust in God’s plan and find the strength to follow Him, no matter the cost.