Daily Readings - Thu Jan 20 2022
1 Samuel
6When the men were returning home after David had killed the Philistine, the women came out from all the towns of Israel to meet King Saul with singing and dancing, with joyful songs and with tambourines and lutes.7As they danced, they sang: "Saul has slain his thousands, and David his tens of thousands."8Saul was very angry; this refrain galled him. "They have credited David with tens of thousands," he thought, "but me with only thousands. What more can he get but the kingdom?"9And from that time on Saul kept a jealous eye on David.
1Saul told his son Jonathan and all the attendants to kill David. But Jonathan was very fond of David2and warned him, "My father Saul is looking for a chance to kill you. Be on your guard tomorrow morning; go into hiding and stay there.3I will go out and stand with my father in the field where you are. I'll speak to him about you and will tell you what I find out."4Jonathan spoke well of David to Saul his father and said to him, "Let not the king do wrong to his servant David; he has not wronged you, and what he has done has benefited you greatly.5He took his life in his hands when he killed the Philistine. The LORD won a great victory for all Israel, and you saw it and were glad. Why then would you do wrong to an innocent man like David by killing him for no reason?"6Saul listened to Jonathan and took this oath: "As surely as the LORD lives, David will not be put to death."7So Jonathan called David and told him the whole conversation. He brought him to Saul, and David was with Saul as before.
Mark
7Jesus withdrew with his disciples to the lake, and a large crowd from Galilee followed.8When they heard all he was doing, many people came to him from Judea, Jerusalem, Idumea, and the regions across the Jordan and around Tyre and Sidon.9Because of the crowd he told his disciples to have a small boat ready for him, to keep the people from crowding him.10For he had healed many, so that those with diseases were pushing forward to touch him.11Whenever the evil spirits saw him, they fell down before him and cried out, "You are the Son of God."12But he gave them strict orders not to tell who he was.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter two distinct narratives that invite us to reflect on themes of recognition, response, and the virtues of humility and loyalty. The first reading from 1 Samuel recounts the aftermath of David's victory over Goliath, where Saul's jealousy is kindled by the people's celebration of David. This jealousy leads Saul to plot against David, yet Jonathan, Saul's son, stands by David, advocating for his innocence and the good he has done. In contrast, the Gospel of Mark presents Jesus, whose miracles and healings draw large crowds, yet He chooses to keep a low profile, even silencing the unclean spirits who recognize Him as the Son of God.
The context of 1 Samuel is one of rising tension and human frailty. Saul, once a leader favored by God, becomes consumed by envy, fearing David's growing popularity. Jonathan, however, exemplifies loyalty and justice, standing up for David despite the danger. In Mark, Jesus' ministry is gaining momentum, yet He remains humble, avoiding the spotlight, and focusing on His mission rather than seeking acclaim. This contrast highlights different responses to recognition: Saul's jealousy versus Jonathan's loyalty, and Jesus' humility.
These readings relate to each other through the theme of recognition and response. In Samuel, recognition leads to jealousy and conflict, while in Mark, it leads to humility and restraint. This teaches us about handling success and recognition with grace. In our lives, we may face situations where others' success provokes envy, but we are called to respond with humility and support. Like Jonathan, we should stand by those treated unfairly and advocate for justice.
Applying these lessons, we learn to cultivate humility and trust in God's plan. Recognizing our place and not letting jealousy consume us, we should support others' successes. The value of loyal friendship and standing up for what is right is also emphasized. From Mark, we see the importance of humility, not seeking fame, and trusting in God's timing.
In conclusion, the moral lesson is clear: humility and trust in God are essential. We are called to recognize our own limitations and respond with grace, avoiding jealousy and embracing humility. Let us strive to be like Jonathan, loyal and just, and like Jesus, humble and focused on our mission. May we trust in God's plan and cultivate these virtues in our daily lives.