Gospel: January 21, 2026
January 21, 2026 (Wednesday)
2nd Week in Ordinary Time
Psalter: Week 2 (Red)
St. Agnes, virgin & martyr
Ps 144:1b, 2, 9-10
Blessed be the Lord, my Rock!
1st Reading: 1 Samuel 17:32-33, 37, 40-51*
(…)Saul told David, “You cannot fight with this Philistine for you are still young, whereas this man has been a warrior from his youth.” David continued, “The Lord, who delivered me from the paws of lions and bears, will deliver me from the hands of the Philistine.” Saul then told David, “Go and may the Lord be with you!” David got rid of all this armor, took his staff, picked up five smooth stones from the brook and dropped them inside his shepherd’s bag. And with his sling in hand, he drew near to the Philistine. The Philistine moved forward, closing in on David, his shield-bearer in front of him. When he saw that David was only a lad, (he was of fresh complexion and handsome) he despised him. Cursing David by his gods, he continued, “Come and I will give your flesh to the birds of the sky and the beasts of the field!” David answered the Philistine, “You have come against me with sword, spear and javelin, but I come against you with the Lord, the God of the armies of Israel whom you have defied. The Lord will deliver you this day into my hands and I will strike you down and cut off your head. (…)” No sooner had the Philistine moved to attack him than David rushed to the battleground. Putting his hand into his bag, he took out a stone, slung it and struck the Philistine on the forehead; it penetrated his forehead and he fell on his face to the ground. David triumphed over the Philistine with a sling and a stone. He rushed forward, stood over him, took the Philistine’s sword and slew him by cutting off his head. (…)
Gospel: Mark 3: 1-6
Again, Jesus entered the synagogue. A man, who had a paralyzed hand, was there; and some people watched Jesus: would he heal the man on the Sabbath? If he did, they could accuse him.
Jesus said to the man with the paralyzed hand, “Stand here, in the center.” Then he asked them, “What does the law allow us to do on the Sabbath? To do good or to do harm? To save life or to kill?” But they were silent.
Then Jesus looked around at them with anger and deep sadness at their hardness of heart. And he said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” He stretched it out, and his hand was healed. As soon as the Pharisees left, they met with Herod’s supporters, looking for a way to destroy Jesus.
Reflection:
Faith can move mountains and defeat giants.
The story of David fighting Goliath is a classic tale often taught to children. However, as we grow up, we frequently forget this story’s simple yet powerful message of overcoming seemingly impossible feats. Today, we are reminded that faith—no matter how small and insignificant—can move mountains and defeat giants. May we carry this confidence in life, knowing that God is much greater than anything and that nothing can stand in our way with Him. If you find yourself in a place where problems and crises paralyze you, let God strengthen and empower you to hold on to the faith of David.
