Mass Readings and Reflection for January 20, 2026

First Reading (1 Samuel 16:1–13)

Responsorial Psalm: (Psalm 89:20, 21–22, 27–28)

Response: I have found David, my servant.

Alleluia

The word of God is living and effective,
able to discern reflections and thoughts of the heart.

Gospel: (Mark 2:23–28)

Reflection: 

Today’s readings revolve around God’s vision, God’s priorities, and God’s mercy, all of which differ sharply from human expectations.

1. God Sees the Heart, Not the Surface

Samuel is ready to anoint the tallest, strongest, most impressive son of Jesse. But God interrupts that instinct:

“The LORD looks into the heart.”

This reminds us that God’s choices often surprise us. He chooses the overlooked, the underestimated, the quiet one in the field.

In your own life, this reading invites you to:

• Stop judging your worth by external measures.

• Trust that God sees what others miss.

• Believe that God can call you even when you feel “too small” or “not ready.”

2. Jesus Reorders the Law Around Love

In the Gospel, Jesus confronts a rigid interpretation of the Sabbath. The Pharisees see rule-breaking; Jesus sees hunger, need, and mercy.

His message is clear:

God’s law is meant to serve human flourishing, not burden it.

This challenges us to examine our own hearts:

• Do we cling to rules while forgetting compassion?

• Do we judge others without understanding their hunger or struggle?

• Do we forget that mercy is the heartbeat of God’s law?

3. David and Jesus: Two Kings, One Spirit

David is anointed king; Jesus reveals Himself as Lord of the Sabbath.
Both are chosen by God, both misunderstood, both guided by the Spirit.

Today’s readings invite us to let the Spirit guide our decisions, our judgments, and our compassion.

Amen.