Daily Mass Readings Reflection January 23, 2026

DAILY ROMAN CATHOLIC READINGS AND SPIRITUAL REFLECTIONS Friday, 23rd January 2026 ------------------------------------------------ FRIDAY, SECOND WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME 1 Sm 24: 3-21 Ps 57: 2-4, 6, 11 Mk 3: 13-19 ------------------------------------------------ MERCY AND TRUST IN GOD David was on the run. King Saul, jealous and fearful of losing his throne, wanted to kill him. One day, as David and his men hid in a cave, Saul came near, unaware of their presence. The moment seemed perfect, David could have struck and ended Saul once and for all. But he did not. He simply cut a corner of Saul’s tunic, showing that while he had the chance, he chose mercy over revenge. Later, David humbly approached Saul and expressed his trust in God to deliver justice in His own way. Saul was deeply moved and recognised David’s righteousness, even in the midst of his own wrongdoings. This moment also reminds us that God often places people in our path to test our hearts and teach us to act with integrity. From David’s actions, we learn a powerful lesson: even when wronged, we are called to respond with love, not retaliation. He demonstrates patience, respect for God’s authority, and unwavering faith in God’s timing. Life often places us in difficult circumstances, but God can use even the most challenging situations to teach us how to act honourably. Waiting on God does not mean being passive rather it means trusting that He will protect us, guide us, and fulfil His promises perfectly. Every day, we face people who hurt us or situations that seem unfair. Like David, we are invited to respond with patience, mercy, and love. We do not need to take justice into our own hands. Instead, we can rely on God to guide us and intervene at the right time. Showing kindness, even to those who oppose or harm us, can soften hearts, build bridges, and reveal God’s goodness in the world. Let us pray for the grace to trust God completely, show mercy, and resist the urge for revenge. May we live honourably, leave judgement to the Lord, and extend love to all, including those who have wronged us. Today, let us choose patience over anger, mercy over impulse, and faith over fear, trusting that God’s timing is always perfect, and that His ways are higher than ours. Response: Have mercy on me, God, have mercy.