Saint Agnes, Virgin and Martyr — Memorial
First Reading
1 Samuel 17:32–33, 37, 40–51
David said to Saul, “Let no one lose heart on his account; your servant will go and fight the Philistine.” Saul protested his youth and inexperience, but David replied that the Lord who saved him from the lion and the bear would save him from Goliath. With a sling and a stone, David struck the Philistine and killed him, showing that trust in God can overcome what seems impossible.
Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 143:1–2, 9–10
O Lord, hear my prayer, listen to my plea.
The psalm expresses a deep longing for God’s presence and guidance in times of distress.
Gospel
Mark 3:1–6
On a sabbath, Jesus saw a man with a withered hand in the synagogue. The Pharisees watched to see if he would heal on the sabbath so they could accuse him. Jesus said to the man, “Stand up in front of everyone.” Then he said to his critics, “Is it lawful to do good or to do evil on the sabbath?” They were silent, and Jesus, grieved at their hardness of heart, healed the man’s hand.
Reflection
Today’s readings invite us into two profound movements of faith: trust in God’s deliverance and compassion over rigidity.
In the First Reading, David’s confidence arises not from bravado but from a lived history of God’s fidelity. He steps into danger with the memory of past help, trusting God to act again. His faith offers a model for us: when fear looms large, a memory of God’s care can become the foundation of courage.
In the Gospel, Jesus faces resistance not from giants but from a hardened mind-set. The man with the withered hand represents real human need. Jesus does not wait for permission; he meets that need with compassion. His question to the onlookers — “Is it lawful to do good or to do evil?” — exposes a heart closed to mercy. Jesus teaches that the law is meant to serve life, not fence it in.
These readings call us to a faith that is both courageous and compassionate. Trust in God’s power to deliver and a willingness to choose mercy over judgement reshape not only our actions but our hearts.
A moment of pause
Where in your life today might God be inviting you to trust him more deeply — and to choose mercy over judgment?
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