Monday of the 4th Week in Ordinary Time

• First Reading – 2 Samuel 15:13-14, 30; 16:5-13: Fleeing Absalom’s uprising, David faced Shimei’s curses and stone-throwing. David, interpreting this as possibly divinely ordained, refrained from retaliation, hoping for God’s eventual favor amidst his adversity.
• Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 3: Despite numerous adversaries, I trust in the Lord for protection and honor. He responds to my calls, allowing me to rest and rise, unafraid of surrounding foes.
• Gospel – Mark 5:1-20: In the Gerasenes, Jesus encountered a demon-possessed man, uncontainable by chains, who lived among tombs. Upon meeting Jesus, the man, possessed by ‘Legion,’ begged for mercy. Jesus cast the demons into pigs, which drowned. The healed man, now calm and rational, was instructed by Jesus to share his miraculous healing, astonishing many.

Catching sight of Jesus from a distance, he ran up and prostrated himself before him, crying out in a loud voice, “What have you to do with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I adjure you by God, do not torment me!”

Mark 5:6-7

The readings for Monday of the 4th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 highlight themes of humility, trust, and healing. The first reading shows David’s humility and perseverance during a time of great trial, while the Gospel reveals Jesus’ power to free a man from suffering. These lessons encourage us to reflect on how we face challenges and seek God’s help.

• Humility in trials: David’s response to hardship shows great humility as he accepts both suffering and insults. This reminds us to trust God’s plan even when we face challenges or criticism.
• God’s power over evil: The Gospel shows Jesus freeing a man possessed by demons, demonstrating His authority over evil. It teaches us to trust in Christ’s ability to bring healing and peace.
• Trusting God’s justice: David chooses to let God handle those who oppose him instead of seeking revenge. This encourages us to rely on God to bring justice in His own time.
• The impact of healing: After being healed, the man in the Gospel becomes a witness to God’s work. This reminds us that when we experience God’s help, we are called to share it with others.
• Perseverance in hardship: David’s actions show endurance and faith during a painful time. This teaches us to keep trusting God even when life is difficult.
• God’s care for the broken: Both readings reveal God’s concern for those who are hurting, whether it is David in his struggles or the man healed by Jesus. This assures us that God is close to us in our suffering.

The themes for Monday of the 4th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 invite us to trust God in the face of trials and to share His work in our lives with others. These readings remind us that humility, perseverance, and faith help us grow closer to God and to rely on His strength.

The readings for Monday of the 4th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 invite us to reflect on trust, healing, and faith in hard times. David’s humility and calm trust in God, even when insulted, show us how to handle criticism with grace. The Gospel reveals Jesus’ care for the broken and His power to bring healing and peace. These themes remind us to rely on God and stay faithful no matter what challenges we face.

Trusting God Instead of Reacting in Anger

In the first reading for Monday of the 4th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, David shows great humility and trust in God when he is insulted and criticized. Instead of lashing out or defending himself, he accepts the situation calmly. David trusts that God sees the truth and will bring justice in His time.

This example teaches us how to handle criticism or unfair treatment in our own lives. When people speak against us, it is easy to react in anger or frustration. David’s response reminds us that we can pray and rely on God to take care of the situation.

By trusting God, we can let go of the need to defend ourselves or seek revenge. This brings peace to our hearts and strengthens our faith. David’s humility encourages us to choose patience and trust, even in difficult moments.

Healing for the Broken

The Gospel for Monday of the 4th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 shows Jesus freeing a man who was tormented and broken. The man was in great pain, but Jesus did not ignore him. Instead, He brought healing and peace to the man’s life.

This story reminds us that no matter how broken we feel, God is close to us. He sees our struggles and wants to bring us healing. When we feel overwhelmed or lost, we can turn to Jesus and trust in His power to help us.

Jesus’ care for the suffering also challenges us to show kindness to those who are hurting. Just as He reaches out to heal, we can look for ways to bring comfort and support to those around us. This Gospel is a reminder of God’s love and His ability to restore what is broken.

Faith Through Hardship

Both readings for Monday of the 4th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 highlight the importance of faith during difficult times. David faces betrayal and danger but remains faithful to God’s plan. In the Gospel, the man healed by Jesus goes through great suffering before receiving peace.

Life is often full of challenges, and it can be tempting to lose hope. These readings remind us that God is always present, even in our hardest moments. Whether we are dealing with criticism, fear, or suffering, faith gives us strength to endure.

Faith does not mean all problems will disappear, but it allows us to trust in God’s guidance and care. By staying faithful, we open ourselves to the healing and peace that only God can give. These stories encourage us to hold onto faith, no matter what we face.

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The lessons from Monday of the 4th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 encourage us to respond to trials with patience, trust, and faith. Whether we are facing criticism, pain, or fear, God sees us and is always near. By turning to Him and sharing His love with others, we grow stronger in our faith and bring hope to the world.

Prayer

Lord, thank You for showing us how to trust You in hard times. Help us to remain calm when others speak against us and to seek Your healing when we feel broken. Teach us to keep our faith strong and to rely on You in all things. Amen.

Reflection Questions

• How do you usually respond when someone speaks against you?
• Where in your life do you need God’s healing and peace?
• How does the story of David encourage you to trust God’s justice?
• What can you do to share Jesus’ love and care with someone who is hurting?

USCCB Reflection: Facing Demons with Awareness

This USCCB video reflection for Monday of the 4th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 draws from a childhood memory to illustrate confronting inner and societal demons. It emphasizes the importance of acknowledging and facing our demons, both personal and communal. The reflection relates this to the Gospel story where Jesus heals a man with demons, highlighting the transformative power of encountering Christ. The key message is to be vigilant, to recognize and confront evil within and around us, and to seek Jesus’ guidance for healing and change, promoting a deeper peace with God and within ourselves.

What date is Monday of the 4th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?

The next date is Monday January 31, 2028.

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 Monday of the 4th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1.

What are the Mass readings for Monday of the 4th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?

The Mass readings for Monday January 31, 2028 are:
First Reading  – 2 Samuel 15:13-14, 30; 16:5-13: David’s Retreat and Shimei’s Curses
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 3: God as Protector and Sustainer
Gospel – Mark 5:1-20: Deliverance of the Demoniac

Why is David walking away from his kingdom in the first reading for Monday of the 4th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?

David is fleeing because his son Absalom has started a rebellion. This shows David’s humility and trust in God during a difficult time.

Why does David not fight back against the man insulting him?

David chooses to accept the insults, trusting that God will see his heart and handle the situation. This teaches us to rely on God’s justice instead of seeking revenge.

How can the first reading help us when we feel criticized?

David’s example shows us how to remain calm and trust God when others speak against us. Instead of reacting in anger, we can pray and let God handle the situation.

What does the first reading teach about humility?

David’s response to being insulted shows that he accepts both his trials and his blessings from God. This reminds us to stay humble and trust in God’s plan during hardships.

How can we apply the first reading to our own lives?

The first reading encourages us to stay humble and trust God when life feels unfair. We can pray for strength to persevere and for faith to rely on God’s timing.

Why does Jesus cast out demons in the Gospel for Monday of the 4th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?

Jesus casts out demons to free a man who is suffering. This shows His power over evil and His care for those in pain.

Why is the man told to tell others what Jesus did for him?

Jesus tells the man to share his healing so others can learn about God’s power. This reminds us to share how God has helped us to encourage others in their faith.

What does the Gospel teach about Jesus’ care for the suffering?

The Gospel shows that Jesus sees those who are hurting and wants to bring them peace. This reminds us that no matter how broken we feel, God can heal us.

What can we learn from the man healed in the Gospel?

The man healed by Jesus shows us how to respond with gratitude and obedience. We can follow his example by sharing our blessings and experiences of God’s help with others.

What does the Gospel for Monday of the 4th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 teach about faith?

The Gospel shows that Jesus can overcome even the hardest struggles in life. It calls us to trust in His power to bring peace and healing.