Daily Mass Readings Reflection January 22, 2026

Описание: DAILY ROMAN CATHOLIC READINGS AND SPIRITUAL REFLECTIONS

Thursday, 22nd January 2026
------------------------------------------------
THURSDAY, SECOND WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

1 Sm 18: 6-9; 19: 1-7 Ps 56: 2-3, 9-13 Mk 3: 7-12
------------------------------------------------

JEALOUSY DESTROYS, AND TRUST SAVES

The first reading today brings us into one of the most dramatic and painful chapters of human relationships in the Bible: the rise of jealousy in Saul’s heart and the courageous loyalty of Jonathan. It is a story that mirrors the struggles within our own hearts, the battle between insecurity and trust, between fear and friendship, and between self-centeredness and God-centeredness.
As David returns after defeating the Philistines, the women celebrate with joy. Their song is innocent, even spontaneous: “Saul has killed his thousands, and David his ten-thousands.” What was meant to be praise becomes, in Saul’s heart, a moment of deep insecurity. Jealousy starts when we begin comparing God’s gifts in our life with God’s gifts in someone else’s life. Saul forgot his own calling, his own blessings, his own victories, his own anointing. He stopped looking at God and started looking sideways. The moment we shift our eyes from God to others, insecurity grows and gratitude vanishes. Saul saw only a threat, not a blessing. He feared losing the kingdom, yet ironically, it was precisely his fear that made him lose it. Jealousy blinds us to reality. In life too, sometimes the people we envy are the ones God sends to help us. But jealousy prevents us from seeing God’s hand in others. It makes us exaggerate small things, misinterpret good intentions, and suspect people unnecessarily. Like Saul, jealousy can turn even a song of celebration into a perceived insult.
In contrast to Saul’s insecurity, we have Jonathan, one of the most admirable characters in the Bible. He speaks truth even when it is risky. He defends David even when it could cost him the King’s favour. Jonathan teaches us that true friendship is courageous. Every relationship needs a Jonathan, someone who reminds us of truth when we are blinded by emotion, who brings light into situations clouded by fear, suspicion, or anger. When jealousy is replaced by trust and gratitude, our hearts become free – free to love, free to celebrate, free to be who God has called us to be.

Response: In God I trust; I shall not fear.