Mystery of the day: Sorrowful
Celebration: Ferial
📖 Table of the Word
First Reading: 1 Samuel 24:3–21
Gospel: Mark 3:13–19
Theme: Mercy stronger than Revenge.
Reflection
Mercy is one of the most outstanding virtues expected of everyone, as Christ said: “Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful” (Luke 6:36). In today's first reading taken from 1 Samuel 24:3–21, we see the power of mercy over revenge which was displayed by David. David stands over Saul with the perfect opportunity to end his suffering. No witnesses. No consequences. One strike and the problem is gone.
Yet David refuses.
He spares Saul, saying:
“I will not raise my hand against the Lord’s anointed.”
Here is holiness in its most difficult form: choosing mercy when revenge feels justified. David teaches us that righteousness is not doing what we can, but what we ought.
He trusts God with justice.
We see in David a foreshadowing of Christ, who conquers not by destroying enemies but by forgiving them. Mercy is the highest form of strength.
In the Gospel pericope according to Evangelist Mark 3:13–19 we see an account of Jesus climbing the mountain and calling those He desires. Mark notes something beautiful and often overlooked:
“He appointed twelve, to be with him, and to be sent out…”
Before the mission comes communion.
Before preaching comes presence.
Before doing comes being.
The first task of every disciple is simply to stay near Christ.
The Twelve are ordinary men, fishermen, tax collectors, zealots yet proximity to Jesus transforms them into pillars of the Church.
It is on this note that the Church observed: All Christian vocation flows from intimacy with Christ. As Pope Benedict XVI often said: Christianity is not an idea, but an encounter with a Person.
Beloved in Christ, in today’s lesson David teaches us to choose mercy over revenge as Christ did when He was rebuked, insulted but chose to pray to His Father a prayer of forgiveness: "Father forgive them for they know not what they are doing." (Luke 23:34)
However, as the Gospel teaches us to choose closeness to Christ. Let us remain close to Him, so that He can shape our hearts. Then our life will bear fruit in abundance.
Finally, let our waiting on Him be not through noise or spectacle but through daily faithfulness, hidden mercy, and steady companionship with Him. For He still whispers our names and calls us nearer to Himself.
+ Peace be with you!
© ARCHIVE 23012026
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