Daily Catholic Mass Readings for January 27, 2026
First Reading: 2 Samuel 6.12b-15, 17-19
12Now King David was told, "The LORD has blessed the household of Obed-Edom and everything he has, because of the ark of God." So David went down and brought up the ark of God from the house of Obed-Edom to the City of David with rejoicing.13When those who were carrying the ark of the LORD had taken six steps, he sacrificed a bull and a fattened calf.14David, wearing a linen ephod, danced before the LORD with all his might,15while he and the entire house of Israel brought up the ark of the LORD with shouts and the sound of trumpets.17They brought the ark of the LORD and set it in its place inside the tent that David had pitched for it, and David sacrificed burnt offerings and fellowship offerings before the LORD.18After he had finished sacrificing the burnt offerings and fellowship offerings, he blessed the people in the name of the LORD Almighty.19Then he gave a loaf of bread, a cake of dates and a cake of raisins to each person in the whole crowd of Israelites, both men and women. And all the people went to their homes.
Psalm 24
1The earth is the LORD's, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it;2for he founded it upon the seas and established it upon the waters.3Who may ascend the hill of the LORD? Who may stand in his holy place?4He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to an idol or swear by what is false.5He will receive blessing from the LORD and vindication from God his Savior.6Such is the generation of those who seek him, who seek your face, O God of Jacob. Selah7Lift up your heads, O you gates; be lifted up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in.8Who is this King of glory? The LORD strong and mighty, the LORD mighty in battle.9Lift up your heads, O you gates; lift them up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in.10Who is he, this King of glory? The LORD Almighty- he is the King of glory. Selah
Gospel: Mark 3.31-35
31Then Jesus' mother and brothers arrived. Standing outside, they sent someone in to call him.32A crowd was sitting around him, and they told him, "Your mother and brothers are outside looking for you."33"Who are my mother and my brothers?" he asked.34Then he looked at those seated in a circle around him and said, "Here are my mother and my brothers!35Whoever does God's will is my brother and 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.