Tuesday of the 2nd Week in Ordinary Time

• First Reading – 1 Samuel 16:1-13: God directs Samuel to anoint a new king, leading him to Jesse’s house in Bethlehem. Disregarding outward appearances, God chooses David, the youngest son, anointing him with His Spirit.
• Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 89: God declares in a vision His choice of David, anointing him as king. Promising unwavering support and strength, God elevates David, acknowledging him as a foremost king.
• Gospel – Mark 2:23-28: While traversing a grain field on the Sabbath, Jesus’ disciples picked grains, leading Pharisees to challenge their actions. Jesus cited David’s act of eating consecrated bread, reserved for priests, to highlight the precedence of human need over strict Sabbath observance. He taught that the Sabbath serves humanity’s welfare, asserting His authority as the Son of Man over the Sabbath, thus redefining its purpose and application.

Lectionary Reference: 312

Upcoming dates: January 20, 2026, January 18, 2028, January 22, 2030, January 20, 2032

The sabbath was made for man, not man for the sabbath. That is why the Son of Man is lord even of the sabbath.

Mark 2:27-28

On Tuesday of the 2nd Week in Ordinary Time, Cycle 2, the readings focus on God’s choices, mercy over legalism, and seeing beyond outward appearances. In 1 Samuel, God chooses David as king, looking beyond surface qualities, while in Mark, Jesus shows that compassion is greater than strict rules. These themes encourage us to seek God’s will with an open heart and to practice mercy in our lives.

• God’s Choice: In the reading from 1 Samuel, God chooses David not for his outward appearance but for his heart. This reminds us that God’s ways are different from human judgment, as He sees beyond the surface to our true selves.
• Looking Beyond Appearances: God tells Samuel not to judge by appearance alone, as God looks at the heart. This teaches us to value character over looks or status, urging us to appreciate people for who they are.
• Mercy Above Rules: In the Gospel, Jesus teaches that mercy is more important than rigid adherence to rules. He challenges the Pharisees by showing that compassion should guide our actions and decisions.
• God’s Timing and Plan: David’s anointing as king shows that God has a unique plan and time for each of us. It encourages us to trust in God’s timing, knowing that His plans may unfold differently than we expect.
• The Lord’s Anointed: David is chosen and anointed as God’s chosen leader, emphasizing the idea of being set apart for a special purpose. This reminds us that each of us is called by God for specific roles and tasks in life.
• Sabbath’s True Purpose: Jesus explains that the Sabbath was made for people, not the other way around. This teaches us that God’s laws are meant to bring life and rest, not to burden or restrict us unnecessarily.

These themes on Tuesday of the 2nd Week in Ordinary Time, Cycle 2, encourage us to embrace God’s perspective and practice mercy. By seeing beyond appearances and honoring God’s purposes, we grow in understanding and compassion.

On Tuesday of the 2nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, the readings encourage us to examine how we see others, approach religious practices, and trust in God’s guidance. In 1 Samuel, we witness God choosing David, focusing on his heart rather than appearance. In the Gospel, Jesus reminds the Pharisees that compassion and mercy are at the core of God’s commandments, even over strict adherence to rules. Together, these readings invite us to deepen our understanding of God’s perspective and to live with faith, mercy, and trust.

God Sees Beyond Appearances into Hearts

On Tuesday of the 2nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, the reading from 1 Samuel shows God’s unique perspective when He sends Samuel to anoint a new king. While Samuel sees the outward qualities of Jesse’s older sons and assumes one of them will be chosen, God chooses David, the youngest and least expected. God tells Samuel not to focus on appearance, because He sees deeper into the heart. This moment teaches that God values what is inside each person—their character, intentions, and faith—over outward traits.

This story challenges us to consider how we view others. We often make judgments based on appearance, background, or status. God’s choice of David reminds us to look deeper and recognize each person’s true worth and potential. God’s vision is a reminder that each person has value, regardless of how they may appear to us on the outside.

In our own lives, we can practice seeing with “God’s eyes” by looking beyond first impressions and appreciating people for their kindness, humility, and sincerity. Tuesday of the 2nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 encourages us to look beyond the surface and treat each person with the respect and dignity that God sees in them.

Rethinking Religious Practices with Compassion

In the Gospel reading for Tuesday of the 2nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, Jesus challenges a strict view of religious practices when the Pharisees question His disciples for picking grain on the Sabbath. The Pharisees focus on the rule itself, but Jesus explains that the Sabbath was meant to benefit people, not to restrict them. By saying this, Jesus teaches that compassion should guide how we follow God’s laws and practices.

Jesus’ message calls us to understand the purpose behind religious practices. Rules and customs are meant to help us grow closer to God, but they should not overshadow the importance of mercy and kindness. Jesus shows that following God includes helping those in need, even if that means adjusting our actions to show compassion in real situations.

This teaching invites us to approach religious practices with a focus on love and understanding. We are reminded that rules serve a greater purpose when they help us love God and others more fully. Tuesday of the 2nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 encourages us to be flexible with rules and customs, keeping compassion at the center of our actions.

The Call to Obedience and Trust in God’s Plan

Both the first reading and the Gospel for Tuesday of the 2nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 highlight the theme of obedience and trust in God’s wisdom. When God calls Samuel to anoint David, He asks Samuel to trust in His choice, even though David seems like an unlikely candidate for king. Samuel’s obedience to God’s command demonstrates a willingness to set aside human expectations and trust that God’s plan is wise and good.

In the Gospel, Jesus shows His authority over the Sabbath, inviting people to trust in His guidance rather than rigid traditions. Jesus’ response to the Pharisees shows that trusting in God’s way includes understanding His intention behind laws and practices. Jesus teaches that God desires mercy and compassion, and He invites us to follow Him with an open heart.

Both readings call us to obey and trust in God’s ways, even when they challenge our expectations or routines. This trust requires humility and openness, helping us grow in our faith and reliance on God’s wisdom. Tuesday of the 2nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 encourages us to follow God’s path with confidence, trusting that His guidance is always rooted in love and care for us.

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The reflections for Tuesday of the 2nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 inspire us to live with open hearts, seeking God’s wisdom over outward appearances and rigid customs. By aligning our actions with God’s compassion and mercy, we strengthen our connection with Him and reflect His love to others. May we strive to view others as God does, honor the spirit behind our faith practices, and trust in His unique plans for each of us.

Prayer

Lord, open our eyes to see others as You see them, focusing on their hearts and inner goodness. Help us embrace compassion in all that we do and guide us to trust in Your plans. May we follow You with humility, faith, and a spirit of mercy. Amen.

Reflection Questions

• How can I work on seeing others as God sees them, beyond appearance or status?
• In what ways can I show compassion over strict adherence to rules in my daily life?
• Where in my life can I practice trusting God’s plan, even when it seems unexpected?
• How can I approach religious practices with a deeper focus on mercy and understanding?

Redrawing the Lines of God

In Fr. Richard Rohr’s reflection, which references the Gospel for Tuesday of the 2nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, he presents Jesus as a radical reformer who challenged religious purity and debt codes, emphasizing compassion over legalism. Fr. Rohr highlights how Jesus prioritized people over customs and laws, particularly in his approach to the Sabbath and purity norms. By actively undermining these systems, Jesus sought to redirect focus from legalistic moralism to understanding and humaneness. Rohr points out that Jesus’ teachings, such as prioritizing human needs over the Sabbath and his response to the adulterous woman, were revolutionary but have not fully redirected religious history.

What date is Tuesday of the 2nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?

The next date is Tuesday January 20, 2026.

Cycle 1 is used in odd numbered years and Cycle 2 is used in even numbered years. The gospel is the same for both years. For odd numbered years see Tuesday of the 2nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1.

What are the Mass readings for Tuesday of the 2nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?

The Mass readings for Tuesday January 20, 2026 are:
First Reading – 1 Samuel 16:1-13: David Anointed as King
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 89: God’s Choice of David
Gospel – Mark 2:23-28: Sabbath and Human Need

What is the main message in the reading from 1 Samuel for Tuesday of the 2nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?

The main message is that God looks beyond appearances and chooses people based on their hearts. God chose David as king, not because of his looks or strength, but because of his faithfulness and character.

Why did God reject the other sons of Jesse?

God rejected the other sons of Jesse because He sees people’s hearts, not just their outward qualities. Although they seemed strong and capable, God wanted a king with a heart that would follow His ways.

How does the story of David’s anointing relate to Jesus’ teaching on the Sabbath?

Both stories show that God values mercy, compassion, and inner character over strict appearances or rules. God chose David because of his heart, and Jesus shows that following God includes acts of kindness and care, even on the Sabbath.

Why is David described as “anointed”?

David is described as anointed because he was chosen and set apart by God for a special purpose as king. In the same way, each of us has unique callings and tasks from God in our own lives.

What does Jesus mean when He says the Sabbath was made for man in the Gospel for Tuesday of the 2nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?

Jesus means that the Sabbath was created to serve and benefit people, not to be a burden. God intended the Sabbath as a day of rest and renewal, so rules about it should not prevent acts of mercy or kindness.

Why did the Pharisees criticize the disciples for picking grain on the Sabbath?

The Pharisees criticized the disciples because they viewed picking grain as work, which was not allowed on the Sabbath according to strict laws. Their focus on rules caused them to miss the importance of compassion and meeting human needs.

How does the Gospel encourage us to rethink religious practices?

The Gospel encourages us to see religious practices as ways to honor God and help others, not as burdens. Jesus shows that God’s laws are meant to bring life and compassion, not strict rules that ignore human needs.

How can I apply the message of mercy over rules in my life?

You can apply this message by focusing on compassion and kindness in your actions. Instead of being strict or judging others, try to understand their needs and respond with care and mercy.

What lesson can we learn about judging others?

These readings for Tuesday of the 2nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 teach us to avoid judging by outward appearance alone. Like God, we are encouraged to look at the heart and character of people, appreciating their true qualities.