Daily Catholic Mass Readings for January 24, 2026
First Reading: 2 Samuel 1.1-4, 11-12, 19, 23-27
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!"
Psalm 80
1Hear us, O Shepherd of Israel, you who lead Joseph like a flock; you who sit enthroned between the cherubim, shine forth2before Ephraim, Benjamin and Manasseh. Awaken your might; come and save us.3Restore us, O God; make your face shine upon us, that we may be saved.4O LORD God Almighty, how long will your anger smolder against the prayers of your people?5You have fed them with the bread of tears; you have made them drink tears by the bowlful.6You have made us a source of contention to our neighbors, and our enemies mock us.7Restore us, O God Almighty; make your face shine upon us, that we may be saved.8You brought a vine out of Egypt; you drove out the nations and planted it.9You cleared the ground for it, and it took root and filled the land.10The mountains were covered with its shade, the mighty cedars with its branches.11It sent out its boughs to the Sea, its shoots as far as the River.12Why have you broken down its walls so that all who pass by pick its grapes?13Boars from the forest ravage it and the creatures of the field feed on it.14Return to us, O God Almighty! Look down from heaven and see! Watch over this vine,15the root your right hand has planted, the son you have raised up for yourself.16Your vine is cut down, it is burned with fire; at your rebuke your people perish.17Let your hand rest on the man at your right hand, the son of man you have raised up for yourself.18Then we will not turn away from you; revive us, and we will call on your name.19Restore us, O LORD God Almighty; make your face shine upon us, that we may 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.