Friday, January 23, 2026

 

Friday of the Second Week in Ordinary Time

(I Samuel 24:3-21; Mark 3:13-19)

There are four lists of apostles in the New Testament.  Three are from the gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke.  One is found in the Acts of the Apostles, also written by Luke.  No two lists give exactly the same information. 

A couple of interesting observations can be made of the list from the Gospel of Mark. Andrew occupies fourth place in the order after James and John and, of course, Simon Peter.   The reasoning behind this placement is probably that Peter, James, and John formed Jesus’ inner circle.  They accompanied Jesus up the mountain of the Transfiguration and to the place where Jesus prayed in Gethsemane.

Mark also has the name “Matthew” rather than “Levi,” the tax collector whom Jesus called.  It is likely that “Matthew” was a name on an early list of apostles which Mark used.  Matthew tells much the same story of the tax collector’s calling but names him “Matthew.”  He probably wanted both to include the tax collector who received an independent call from Jesus and to use the early list.

All this may seem trivial.  However, the twelve apostles have great importance in the gospel.  First, they represent the New Israel that Jesus came to establish.  Secondly, they are the primary witnesses to Jesus’ resurrection.  They are the first to go out to the world preaching “Jesus as Lord.”

Thursday, January 22, 2026

Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children

(I Samuel 18:6-9.19:1-7; Mark 3:7-12)

In its very first chapter, the Bible endorses human dignity.  “God created man in his image,” it reads, “… male and female he created them” (Genesis 1:27).  Of all creatures, humans stand out as godlike.  Catholic bishops rightly interpret this principle as implying that every person needs protection.  Humans must be safeguarded from those who would destroy them for their own purposes.

In modern times the assault on the human person has intensified.  Total war devastates foreign populations as well as their armies.  More insidious is the massive abortion of human beings in initial development.  Today, while much of society approves abortion, the Church continues its defense of human life from conception.

In 2022 the Supreme Court of the United States reversed a previous decision made on this date that legalized abortion throughout the country.  Now it is permissible only in states that approve it. Yet abortion has increased.  Drugs are taken to kill the human embryo.  We must back the Catholic bishops’ effort to protect life.  By talking about the issue, writing legislators, praying, and demonstrating we can support the most vulnerable of human beings.

Wednesday, January 21, 2026

 

Memorial of Saint Agnes, virgin and martyr

(I Samuel 17:32.33.37.40-51; Mark 3:1-6)

Everyone knows the story behind today’s first reading.  The duel between David and Goliath resounds throughout Western civilization like the fall of Troy.  It advises the mighty not to be arrogant in their expectations, and the poor not to lose hope.

The reading draws attention to David’s innocence and courage.  More significantly, however, it reveals the almighty power of God over the forces of evil.  David does not rely on his sling or the stones to upend the giant.  Rather, he exhibits trust in God as he tells the pagan, “… I come against you in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel that you have insulted.”

The story tempers the confidence of the strong in their own strength. It admonishes them to trust in God’s love.  Today’s patron, St. Agnes of Rome, shines as another example.  When she dedicated herself to the Lord, she refused to surrender her virginity to the pretensions of men.  She did not gain a long life like David but rather was awarded a place in God’s kingdom as a youth.

 

 

Tuesday, January 20, 2025

 

Tuesday of the Second Week in Ordinary Time

(I Samuel 16:1-13; Mark 2:23-28)

In a couple of weeks American attention will turn to the Superbowl.  Most people will make plans for watching the championship game on television.  They will root for their preferred team, enjoy the halftime entertainment, and take note of the advertisements.  More than any other public event, the Superbowl reveals how advertisements entice the public to spend their money.

In today’s first reading Samuel is similarly enticed by an array of characteristics that amount to advertisements for a replacement of King Saul.  Eliab looks good with his lofty stature. So does Abinadab, who fought in Saul’s army.  But what is appealing to humans may not be what God desires.  Although David’s ruddy complexion attracts human eyes, it is not for his appearance that the Lord chooses him to be king.  Rather, it is David’s heart which loves the Lord and will remain faithful to him.

We too must be careful not to judge only by appearances.  Whether it be a book or a spouse, the flashy, the sumptuous, the beautiful will draw our attention.  But as the wise know by instinct and most of us from experience, what makes a person worthy is not visible to the eye.  To paraphrase Martin Luther King, Jr., , it is not the color of one’s skin, but the content of one’s character that matters.