Thursday of Week 3 in Ordinary Time
First Reading
2 Samuel 7:18–19, 24–29
After Nathan had spoken to King David, the king went in and sat before the Lord. He acknowledged his own unworthiness and marvelled that God would make such an enduring promise to him. God had established his people Israel and made himself their God. David then prayed that the word God had spoken concerning his house might be confirmed and fulfilled, entrusting to God’s faithfulness the future of his people.
Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 132(131):1–2,3–5,11–14
R. The Lord God will give him the throne of David, his father.
This psalm rejoices in God’s covenant fidelity. It calls to mind the oath God swore to David and the promise that his offspring would sit upon his throne. The Lord’s love for Zion and his choice of her as his resting place reflect God’s steadfast will to dwell among his people.
Gospel
Mark 4:21–25
Jesus said, “Is a lamp brought in to be placed under a basket or under a bed? … Take care what you hear; the measure with which you measure will in return be measured out to you.” Jesus teaches that what is given — light, truth, the Word of God — is meant to be revealed and bear fruit, not kept hidden.
Reflection
Today’s readings call us to reflect on God’s covenant fidelity and our receptivity to his Word.
In the First Reading, King David responds to God’s promise with humility, trust and prayer. God speaks a word of promise — not for David alone, but for all of God’s people — and David’s prayer becomes a model of confidence in divine faithfulness.
The Responsorial Psalm echoes this trust: God’s promise to David stands firm, and God’s dwelling among his people is a sign of his unshakable love. It invites us to trust not in our own strength or plans, but in the Lord’s sustaining word.
In the Gospel, Jesus uses the image of light and seed to help us see how God’s Word works in our lives. God’s Word is meant to be received, treasured and let loose to transform us and bear fruit in actions of love, mercy and witness.
Saint Thomas Aquinas teaches that the Word of God is a true light that enlightens every believer (cf. CCC #1086–1090). The lamp metaphor reminds us that the Word, like light, is not meant to be hidden; it clarifies, reveals and calls forth fruitfulness in the disciples who receive it with open hearts.
Catechism connections (CCC):
• God’s Word is a light to our path and reveals the truth of his covenant with his people. (CCC #1086, #1090)
• The covenant established with David finds its ultimate fulfilment in Christ. (CCC #2578–2582)
• The Word of God must be heard with openness, allowing it to bear fruit in faithful obedience. (CCC #101–105)
Taken together, these readings encourage us to allow God’s Word to shine in every corner of our life, trusting in God’s promises and living them out in love.
A moment of pause
Where is God’s Word calling you to bring light and fruit today?
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