Daily Readings for January 18, 2018

1ST READING

Jonathan speaks highly of David to his father Saul, and Saul relents on his intention to have David killed. But their relationship remains fractious and uncertain, something that does not bode well for the future. There are times when we have to make difficult decisions about our relationships. As we decide, let us pray for God’s grace, guidance, and wisdom.

1 Samuel 18:6-9; 19:1-7

6 At the approach of Saul and David (on David’s return after slaying the Philistine), women came out from each of the cities of Israel to meet King Saul, singing and dancing, with tambourines, joyful songs, and sistrums. 7 The women played and sang: “Saul has slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands.” 8 Saul was very angry and resentful of the song, for he thought: “They give David ten thousands, but only thousands to me. All that remains for him is the kingship.” 9 And from that day on, Saul was jealous of David. 19:1 Saul discussed his intention of killing David with his son Jonathan and with all his servants. But Saul’s son Jonathan, who was very fond of David, 2 told him: “My father Saul is trying to kill you. Therefore, please be on your guard tomorrow morning; get out of sight and remain in hiding. 3 I, however, will go out and stand beside my father in the countryside where you are, and will speak to him about you. If I learn anything, I will let you know.” 4 Jonathan then spoke well of David to his father Saul, saying to him: “Let not your majesty sin against his servant David, for he has committed no offense against you, but has helped you very much by his deeds. 5 When he took his life in his hands and slew the Philistine, and the Lord brought about a great victory for all Israel through him, you were glad to see it. Why, then, should you become guilty of shedding innocent blood by killing David without cause?” 6 Saul heeded Jonathan’s plea and swore, “As the Lord lives, he shall not be killed.” 7 So Jonathan summoned David and repeated the whole conversation to him. Jonathan then brought David to Saul, and David served him as before.

P S A L M

Psalm 56:2-3, 9-10, 10-12, 13-14

R: In God I trust; I shall not fear.

1 [2] Have mercy on me, O God, for men trample upon me; all the day they press their attack against me. 2 [3] My adversaries trample upon me all the day; yes, many fight against me. (R) 8 [9] My wanderings you have counted; my tears are stored in your flask; are they not recorded in your book? 9 [10] Then do my enemies turn back, when I call upon you. (R) Now I know that God is with me. 10 [11] In God, in whose promise I glory, 11 [12] in God I trust without fear; what can flesh do against me? (R) 12 [13] I am bound, O God, by vows to you; your thank offerings I will fulfill. 13 [14] For you have rescued me from death, my feet, too, from stumbling; that I may walk before God in the light of the living. (R)

GOSPEL

Today’s Gospel teaches that Jesus wants to share the Good News to as many people as He can. He wants to keep moving and reaching out to people, and does not intend to create a power base for His ministry. As we serve in our ministries, let us focus on effectively proclaiming the Kingdom of God to others and not get sidetracked by the desire for acclaim or concern for our well-being. The Gospel is something that needs to be shared with everyone.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

Our Savior Jesus Christ has destroyed death and brought life to light through the Gospel.

Mark 3:7-12

7 Jesus withdrew toward the sea with his disciples. A large number of people followed from Galilee and from Judea. 8 Hearing what he was doing, a large number of people came to him also from Jerusalem, from Idumea, from beyond the Jordan, and from the neighborhood of Tyre and Sidon. 9 He told his disciples to have a boat ready for him because of the crowd, so that they would not crush him. 10 He had cured many and, as a result, those who had diseases were pressing upon him to touch him. 11 And whenever unclean spirits saw him they would fall down before him and shout, “You are the Son of God.” 12 He warned them sternly not to make him known.