Thursday, Second Week in Ordinary Time
First Reading
1 Samuel 18:6–9; 19:1–7
When the women of Israel sang that David had slain tens of thousands while Saul had slain only thousands, Saul became jealous and resentful. Fear drove him to plot against David. Jonathan, Saul’s son, however, spoke well of David and convinced his father not to harm him.
Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 56:2–3, 9–10a, 10b–12, 13–14
In God I trust; I will not be afraid.
The psalm expresses trust in God amid fear and distress, a fitting response to the insecurity seen in the First Reading.
Gospel
Mark 3:7–12
Jesus withdrew with his disciples down to the sea as great crowds followed from many places. Unclean spirits recognised him and called out, “You are the Son of God.” But Jesus did not allow them to speak because they knew him.
Reflection
Today’s readings invite us to see how fear and faith shape our response to God’s presence.
In the First Reading, Saul’s jealousy distorts his heart, turning admiration into insecurity and threat. Fear can turn what should be celebration into suspicion. In contrast, Jonathan shows that faithful advocacy rooted in loyalty and trust can protect and uphold life.
In the Gospel, the crowds press in, and even unclean spirits recognise Jesus’ identity. Yet Jesus does not let their recognition shape the timing of his mission. He moves with intention, maintaining his focus on mercy and obedience to the Father’s plan. His withdrawal is not rejection, but discernment.
Where fear leads to control and division, mercy opens space for healing and relationship. Today’s readings remind us that trust in God steadies us — whether in the face of human insecurity or overwhelming pressure — and that mercy shapes our witness more than fear ever can.
A moment of pause
Where might fear be influencing your view of others or of God today — and how might mercy reframe your response?
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