Mass Readings and Reflection for January 16, 2026

First Reading: (1 Samuel 8:4–7, 10–22a)

Responsorial Psalm: (Psalm 89:16–17, 18–19)

R. For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord.

Alleluia: (Luke 7:16)

A great prophet has arisen in our midst; God has visited his people.

Gospel: (Mark 2:1–12)

Reflection: “Choosing the Wrong King”

Israel’s request for a king reveals a deep spiritual truth:
When we feel insecure, we often choose human solutions over divine trust.

God isn’t angry because they want leadership—
He is grieved because they want to replace Him with something visible, predictable, and controllable.

Just like Israel:

• We sometimes choose comfort over calling.

• We choose human approval over God’s direction.

• We choose what “everyone else is doing” instead of what God is inviting us to do.

The Gospel completes the message beautifully.
The people in Capernaum also come to Jesus with a need—but instead of rejecting Him, they break open a roof to get closer.

Two crowds.
Two responses.
Two outcomes.

Israel says:

“We want another king.”

The friends of the paralytic say:

“We want Jesus, no matter what it takes.”

Spiritual Takeaway for Today

• Autonomy without God becomes slavery.
  Israel wanted independence, but Samuel warned it would lead to oppression.

• Faith breaks roofs.
  When we bring our deepest needs to Jesus, He gives more than we ask—not just healing, but forgiveness and restoration.

• Let God be King again.
  Not just in crisis, but in decisions, relationships, finances, and identity.

God bless you 

Pal Ronnie