Daily Readings - Tue Jan 23 2018

First Reading - 2 Samuel 6.12b-15, 17-19

¹²And it was reported to king David that the Lord had blessed Obededom, and all that was his, because of the ark of God. Therefore, David went and brought the ark of God, from the house of Obededom, into the city of David with joy. And there were with David seven choirs, and calves for victims¹³And when those who were carrying the ark of the Lord had traveled six steps, he immolated an ox and a ram¹⁴And David danced with all his ability before the Lord. And David was girded with the linen ephod¹⁵And David, and all the house of Israel, were leading the ark of the testament of the Lord, with jubilation and the sound of the trumpet¹⁷And they led in the ark of the Lord. And they set it in its place in the middle of the tabernacle, which David had pitched for it. And David offered holocausts and peace offerings in the sight of the Lord¹⁸And when he had completed offering holocausts and peace offerings, he blessed the people in the name of the Lord of hosts¹⁹And he distributed to the entire multitude of Israel, as much to men as to women, to each one: one loaf of bread, and one piece of roasted beef, and fine wheat flour fried with oil. And all the people went away, each one to his own house

Gospel - Mark 3.31-35

Mark

Chapter 3

³¹And his mother and brothers arrived. And standing outside, they sent to him, calling him³²And the crowd was sitting around him. And they said to him, "Behold, your mother and your brothers are outside, seeking you.³³And responding to them, he said, "Who is my mother and my brothers?³⁴And looking around at those who were sitting all around him, he said: "Behold, my mother and my brothers³⁵For whoever has done the will of God, the same is my brother, and my sister and mother.

Sermon

In today’s readings, we encounter two powerful moments of faith and devotion. The first reading from 2 Samuel describes King David’s joyful procession as he brings the ark of the Lord into Jerusalem. The ark, a symbol of God’s presence among His people, is treated with reverence and celebration. David dances with abandon before the Lord, demonstrating his deep love and humility. This act of worship is not just a personal expression but a communal one, as all Israel gathers to rejoice in God’s presence. The reading concludes with David offering sacrifices and distributing gifts to the people, emphasizing the unity and gratitude that flow from worshiping God together. The Gospel reading from Mark presents a different kind of challenge. Jesus is informed that His mother and brothers are outside, seeking Him. In response, He expands the definition of family beyond blood ties, declaring that those who do the will of God are His true brothers, sisters, and mother. This teaching underscores the radical nature of the Kingdom of God, where spiritual bonds take precedence over earthly ones. It is not about rejecting family, but about recognizing that our ultimate allegiance belongs to God and that our spiritual family is just as real and vital as our biological one. Both readings invite us to reflect on our relationship with God and with one another. David’s example shows us the importance of rejoicing in God’s presence and living with humility and gratitude. Jesus’ words remind us that our truest identity comes from doing God’s will and belonging to His family. In our daily lives, let us strive to live with the same joy and abandon as David, and let us embrace the broader vision of family that Jesus offers. May we find our deepest fulfillment in living as children of God, united in love and purpose with all who seek to follow Him.