22 Jan
Sat
2nd Week in Ordinary Time
St Vincent, deacon and martyr
2 Sam. 1:1-4,11-12,19,23-27
Ps. 79:2-3,5-7
Mk. 3:20-21
(Ps Wk II)
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On hearing about the death of Saul, and his son, Jonathan, David rents his clothes and mourns, and weeps throughout the day. In his lamentation, David uses the word "heroes", which in Hebrew means "warriors", to show how highly he esteemed the sacrifice of Saul, Jonathan and all those who died in battle against the Amalekites. The lamentation also highlights the special love that David has for Jonathan. It may have seemed to many that David was "crazy" in lamenting for Saul, especially when the latter mistreated him and tried to kill him. However, David never allowed himself or others to forget that Saul was an anointed one of God, and therefore, has to be given due honour at his death.

When Jesus came down from the mountain with the Twelve, he was immediately surrounded by the people that they could hardly eat. At this time, the family of Jesus were "standing outside". They had come to protect him from doing too much. They thought he was "out of his mind". Indeed, many in the crowd and some members of his own family could not understand Jesus and his mission.

To Jesus, only those who do the will of God are part of his family. Jesus expects his followers to have the same single-minded dedication to carry out God's will as he does. Such dedication may seem "crazy" or "overdone" to others, and even to members of one's own family. But this is what it means to be part of the "family of Jesus".


Lord, may I be "crazy" for You!



DAILY OFFERING
Eternal Father, I offer You everything I do this day; my thoughts, words, joys and sufferings. Grant that, vivified by the Holy Spirit and united to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary, my life this day may be of service to You and to others. I also pray that all those preparing for marriage discover in Sacrament the source of Christ's grace for living a fithful and fruitful love. Amen.

PRAYING WITH THE CHURCH
INTENTION
We pray for all those suffering from religious discrimination and persecution; may their own rights and dignity be recognised, which originate from being brothers and sisters in the human family.
Elaboration

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