Friday of the 2nd Week in Ordinary Time

• First Reading – 1 Samuel 24:3-21: In a cave, David spares Saul, his pursuer, illustrating respect and restraint towards God’s anointed. Saul recognizes David’s justice and prophesies his future kingship over Israel.
• Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 57: I implore God’s compassion, finding refuge under His protective wings. I trust in His heavenly aid and truth against my oppressors, celebrating His glory and enduring faithfulness.
• Gospel – Mark 3:13-19: Jesus, after ascending a mountain, summoned those He chose, forming a group of twelve as Apostles. Their role was to stay close to Him, preach, and cast out demons. The Twelve included Simon (renamed Peter), James and John (Boanerges or ‘sons of thunder’), Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, another James, Thaddeus, Simon the Cananaean, and Judas Iscariot, who would eventually betray Him.

Lectionary reference: 315

Upcoming dates: January 23, 2026, January 21, 2028, January 23, 2032

Jesus went up the mountain and summoned those whom he wanted and they came to him.

Mark 3:13

On Friday of the 2nd Week in Ordinary Time, Cycle 2, the readings focus on themes of mercy, trust, and God’s call. In 1 Samuel, David shows mercy to Saul, and in the Gospel, Jesus calls the twelve apostles to serve with Him. These themes invite us to consider how we live out mercy, trust, and obedience to God in our own lives.

• Mercy Over Revenge: David has an opportunity to harm Saul but chooses mercy instead. This act shows that honoring God means choosing forgiveness, even when we have been wronged.
• Respecting God’s Anointed: David respects Saul as God’s chosen king, despite Saul’s actions. This shows that we should honor and respect those God has placed in authority, even if they have faults.
• Responding to God’s Call: In the Gospel, Jesus calls twelve men to be His apostles. This reminds us that God calls each of us to follow Him and live out our faith with purpose.
• Trust in God’s Timing: David trusts that God’s plans will unfold at the right time and refrains from taking matters into his own hands. This teaches us patience and trust in God’s timing, even when situations are difficult.
• Humility and Repentance: Saul expresses remorse when he realizes David spared his life. This shows the importance of humility and seeking forgiveness when we recognize our wrongs.
• Mission of Service: Jesus appoints the apostles not just for their own benefit, but to help spread His message. This highlights the call for each of us to serve others and share God’s love in practical ways.

These readings from Friday of the 2nd Week in Ordinary Time, Cycle 2, encourage us to grow in mercy, trust, and purpose. They remind us that God’s call invites us into a life of compassion, patience, and humble service to others.

The readings for Friday of the 2nd Week in Ordinary Time, Cycle 2, invite us to explore themes of mercy, mission, and trust in God’s timing. In these passages, we see David sparing Saul’s life out of respect and faith, and we see Jesus calling His apostles to join in His mission of love. These themes encourage us to act with compassion, respond to God’s call, and trust that He will guide us in His time.

Choosing Mercy Over Revenge

In the first reading for Friday of the 2nd Week in Ordinary Time, Cycle 2, David has a clear chance to harm Saul, who has been trying to kill him. Yet David chooses to show mercy and spare Saul’s life, despite the danger Saul has brought upon him. This act of mercy shows David’s deep trust in God. Instead of taking matters into his own hands, he leaves Saul’s fate in God’s care, demonstrating faith in God’s justice and timing.

This choice reflects the strength it takes to forgive, especially when someone has wronged us personally. David shows that mercy is not weakness but a conscious decision to let go of revenge and allow God to handle the situation. By forgiving Saul, David models the patience and trust that God asks of each of us. Mercy requires a heart that is willing to see others, even those who hurt us, as people deserving of God’s forgiveness and love.

Choosing mercy over revenge is a message we can take into our own lives. When faced with situations where we are wronged, we can remember David’s choice to forgive and leave justice in God’s hands. Like David, we are called to let God’s plan unfold, trusting that He will bring good even from difficult situations.

Called to a Mission of Love

In the Gospel for Friday of the 2nd Week in Ordinary Time, Cycle 2, Jesus calls twelve apostles to join Him and share His mission. These twelve are chosen to work closely with Him, learning and growing as they prepare to carry His message to others. Jesus’ call shows that He doesn’t want to do this work alone; instead, He gathers ordinary people to spread His love and teachings.

Jesus’ choice to call the apostles reminds us that God calls each of us to be part of His mission. Just as the apostles were given specific roles and sent out to serve, we also have unique gifts and ways we can serve others. This mission isn’t about being perfect or qualified; it’s about having a willing heart. God works through those who are open to following Him and who want to share His love with others.

By responding to Jesus’ call, the apostles show that a life of faith includes reaching out to others. We, too, are invited to bring God’s love into our communities. Jesus’ mission becomes our mission—to serve, to love, and to bring hope. This reading reminds us to be active in our faith, knowing that God calls each of us to make a difference in the lives of others.

Trusting in God’s Timing

A third theme in both the first reading and the Gospel for Friday of the 2nd Week in Ordinary Time, Cycle 2, is the importance of trusting in God’s timing. David could have taken matters into his own hands by harming Saul, but he chooses to wait, believing that God will act when the time is right. David’s patience reveals his deep trust in God’s plan, even when it’s difficult to understand. He believes that God will take care of him and of Saul in His own way and time.

Similarly, the apostles had to trust in Jesus as He led them. They were called to leave behind their usual routines and follow Jesus without knowing exactly where this journey would take them. By responding to Jesus’ call, the apostles trusted that God’s timing and plans for them would bring purpose and fulfillment. They were willing to let Jesus guide them, not rushing ahead with their own ideas.

Trusting in God’s timing is challenging but essential. Like David and the apostles, we often want to control situations or solve problems right away. These readings remind us to pause and let God lead, even when we don’t see the outcome. Trusting God’s timing means believing that He will provide for us, guide us, and fulfill His promises when the time is right.

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Reflecting on these messages reminds us that God calls each of us to live with patience, kindness, and purpose. As David and the apostles trusted in God’s plans, we too are called to show mercy and to follow where He leads, knowing that His timing is always best. May these reflections inspire us to live out our faith with courage and hope.

Prayer

Lord, help us to show mercy and trust in Your timing. Give us the courage to answer Your call, and let Your love guide our words and actions. May we grow in patience and in our desire to serve You and others. Amen.

Reflection Questions:

• When have I been called to show mercy instead of seeking revenge?
• How can I respond to God’s mission in my own life?
• What situations in my life need more patience and trust in God’s timing?
• In what ways can I actively live out God’s love in my community?

USCCB Reflection: Embracing a New Way of Life in Christ

This USCCB video reflection for Friday of the 2nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 contrasts David’s mercy towards Saul with Jesus’ method of sharing power in the Gospel. While Saul seeks to consolidate power, Jesus, by calling His disciples, invites them to a new way of life. The chosen apostles are called to accompany Jesus, preach, and drive out demons. This narrative extends to us, as we are called to be disciples and apostles, accompanying Jesus and witnessing the Gospel. The reflection connects this to the importance of valuing every human life, urging us to respond with integrity and coherent actions like David and the apostles.

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

The next date is Friday January 23, 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 Friday of the 2nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1.

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

The Mass readings for Friday January 23, 2026 are:
First Reading  – 1 Samuel 24:3-21: David’s Mercy to Saul
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 57: Seeking Divine Shelter
Gospel – Mark 3:13-19: Choosing the Apostles

What is the main lesson from the first reading on Friday of the 2nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?

The main lesson is about mercy and trust in God. David chooses to show mercy to Saul and trusts that God will handle the situation, showing us the importance of forgiving others and letting God’s plan unfold.

Why does David not harm Saul when he has the chance?

David believes it’s wrong to harm Saul because he is still the king chosen by God. This teaches us respect for those in authority, even if they make mistakes.

How does the theme of mercy apply to our lives?

The theme of mercy in Friday of the 2nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 shows us the importance of choosing forgiveness over revenge. We can apply this by treating others with kindness, even when they wrong us.

What does it mean to trust in God’s timing?

Trusting in God’s timing means believing that things will happen according to His plan, not our own. David’s patience with Saul shows us the importance of waiting for God to work things out.

What can we learn from Saul’s reaction to David sparing his life?

Saul feels remorse and recognizes David’s mercy, which shows us the value of humility. It reminds us to admit our faults and appreciate when others treat us with kindness.

Why does Jesus call twelve apostles in the Gospel reading?

Jesus calls twelve apostles to help spread His message and share in His mission. This shows that God calls people to work together to share His love and serve others.

How does Jesus’ choice of apostles show God’s plan for us?

Jesus chooses ordinary people, showing that God has a purpose for everyone, no matter their background. This reminds us that we, too, are called to follow Him and share His message in our own way.

How can we live out the mission Jesus gave the apostles?

We can live out the mission by sharing God’s love, serving others, and being good examples of faith. Jesus’ call to the apostles reminds us that everyone has a role in bringing God’s love to the world.

What is the importance of humility in Friday of the 2nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?

Humility is shown when Saul admits he was wrong after David spares his life. This example teaches us to recognize our own faults and to approach others with a humble heart.

How does David’s trust in God relate to our own challenges?

David’s trust in God’s plan encourages us to rely on God when we face difficult situations. It shows us that we don’t need to control everything ourselves but can wait for God’s help.