Tuesday of the 4th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2

• First Reading - 2 Samuel 18:9-10, 14b, 24-25a, 30–19:3: Absalom, caught by his hair in a terebinth tree while fleeing, was killed by Joab. Informed of his son's death, King David was deeply grieved, expressing a wish to have died instead of Absalom.
• Responsorial Psalm - Psalm 86: In my distress, I seek the Lord's attentive mercy. Devoted and trusting, I call for His joy and forgiveness, confident in His kindness and abundant grace.
• Gospel - Mark 5:21-43: In a crowd, Jairus, a synagogue leader, pleaded with Jesus to heal his dying daughter. En route, a woman with chronic bleeding touched Jesus' cloak and was healed. At Jairus's house, despite reports of the daughter's death, Jesus revived her, to the amazement of all.

Tuesday of the 4th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 presents a rich tapestry of themes woven through the day's scripture readings. These themes provide profound insights into the human condition, God's mercy, and the transformative power of faith. Here are some key themes:

• The Depths of Parental Grief: The first reading from 2 Samuel vividly portrays King David's intense grief over the death of his son, Absalom. This sorrow reflects the deep emotional bond and unconditional love inherent in parenthood, highlighting the profound pain that accompanies the loss of a child.
• Divine Mercy and Compassion: Psalm 86 emphasizes seeking God's mercy in times of distress. It underscores the nature of God as merciful, attentive, and forgiving, providing a source of hope and comfort in times of struggle.
• Faith Amid Desperation: The Gospel from Mark illustrates the power of faith in desperate circumstances. Both Jairus and the woman with the issue of blood demonstrate immense faith in Jesus' healing power. Their stories remind us that faith can provide solace and solutions even in the most dire situations.
• Healing and Restoration: Central to the Gospel reading is the theme of healing, both physical and spiritual. Jesus' miracles of healing the woman and reviving Jairus's daughter signify the restorative power of faith and God's ability to bring life and wholeness where there is sickness and death.
• Intercession and Advocacy: Jairus's plea for his daughter and the woman's brave act to touch Jesus' cloak represent acts of intercession and self-advocacy, demonstrating how taking steps towards God in faith can lead to profound change and blessing.
• Overcoming Doubt with Faith: In the Gospel, Jesus' assurance to Jairus to "not be afraid; just believe" amidst news of his daughter's death highlights the struggle between faith and doubt. This theme invites reflection on the power of faith to overcome fear and disbelief.
• The Impact of Individual Encounters with Christ: Both the Gospel narratives emphasize personal encounters with Jesus. These individual experiences with Christ bring transformation and are a testament to the unique and personal relationship Jesus offers to each person.
• The Mystery of God’s Plan: The readings together also touch on the theme of mystery in God’s plan. David’s unexpected mourning for Absalom and the surprising healing of the woman and Jairus’s daughter both remind us that God’s ways can be mysterious, and His plans for us often unfold in unexpected ways.

Reflecting on these themes for Tuesday of the 4th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 provides a deeper understanding of the readings and their relevance to our lives, especially in contexts like homilies, Bible study, or personal meditation. They offer a way to connect the scriptural narratives to contemporary experiences of grief, faith, and divine intervention.

In the Gospel reading for Tuesday of the 4th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, we encounter two profound narratives of faith and healing in Mark 5:21-43. This passage tells us about Jairus, a synagogue leader, who pleads with Jesus to heal his dying daughter, and a woman suffering from chronic bleeding who seeks healing by touching Jesus' cloak. These stories, framed within the context of the day's other readings, offer a rich reflection on faith, desperation, and divine compassion.

In the first reading from 2 Samuel 18:9-10, 14b, 24-25a, 30–19:3, we witness the depth of King David’s grief at the loss of his son Absalom. This poignant narrative of a father's love and sorrow sets the stage for our Gospel reading. It contrasts with the hope and faith exhibited by Jairus as he seeks Jesus' intervention for his daughter. David's story reminds us that grief and loss are inherent parts of the human experience, yet the Gospel offers a glimpse of hope and the transformative power of faith in the midst of despair.

The Gospel narrative opens with Jairus, a figure of authority and respect in the community, humbly approaching Jesus. His action demonstrates that faith transcends social status and that in moments of desperation, our shared humanity and need for divine intervention come to the forefront. Jairus's faith is a powerful testament to a father’s love, mirroring in a way King David's deep love for his son.

Interwoven with Jairus's story is the account of a woman who had suffered for twelve years with an issue of blood. Her condition, which would have rendered her ritually unclean and socially isolated, did not deter her from seeking Jesus. Her faith was such that she believed even touching Jesus’ cloak would be enough to heal her. This act of faith was met with immediate healing, illustrating the Gospel's recurring theme that faith, even in its simplest form, can lead to profound transformation.

The woman's story resonates deeply with the Psalm of the day, Psalm 86, where a plea for God’s mercy, joy, and forgiveness is echoed. Her experience is a testament to the attentive mercy and kindness of God that the Psalmist speaks of, affirming that in our distress, when we reach out to the Lord, He hears and responds with compassion.

Returning to Jairus's daughter, we see Jesus' power over life and death. Despite the people's declaration of the girl's death, Jesus' words, "Do not be afraid; just believe," invite Jairus to sustain his faith against all odds. This miraculous raising of Jairus's daughter not only shows Jesus' divine authority but also serves as a beacon of hope for all who face despair.

In reflecting on these passages for Tuesday of the 4th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, we are invited to consider our own acts of faith. Like Jairus and the woman, we are called to reach out to Jesus in our moments of need, believing in His power to heal and transform our lives. The readings collectively remind us that in our grief, despair, or isolation, turning to God in faith can open paths to healing and restoration that we might never have imagined possible. They encourage us to trust in God’s compassionate response to our deepest needs and to remember that His grace is sufficient for us, even in our weakest moments.

Prayer

Jesus, when I am overcome with anxiety from the struggles of my life, let me remember your words. "Do not be afraid. Just have faith." Amen.

Word on Fire: Good Grief

Dr. Tom Neal reflects on grieving in the context of faith, using the story of King David mourning Absalom's death, which is the focus of the Gospel for Tuesday of the 4th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2. He notes the lack of shared social scripts for grieving in American culture, posing questions about the appropriate expressions and duration of grief. Neal emphasizes the healing role of grief and shares his personal experience of overwhelming support after his parents' deaths. He highlights the profound impact of two friends who provided a sacred space for him to grieve, embodying the compassionate, silent presence of Christ. This experience underscores the importance of presence and listening in supporting those who grieve.

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

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 4th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1.

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

The Mass readings for Tuesday February 3, 2026 are:
First Reading  - 2 Samuel 18:9-10, 14b, 24-25a, 30–19:3: Absalom's Downfall and David's Grief
Responsorial Psalm - Psalm 86: Plea for Divine Mercy
Gospel - Mark 5:21-43: Faith and Restoration

What is the significance of the First Reading for Tuesday of the 4th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?

The First Reading recounts the tragic story of Absalom's death and King David's profound grief. It reflects on the themes of consequences of actions, the complexity of familial relationships, and the depths of parental love. This story challenges us to consider our actions' impact on others and the nature of forgiveness and reconciliation.

How does Psalm 86, used in Tuesday of the 4th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, complement the other readings?

Psalm 86, with its themes of seeking the Lord's mercy and expressing trust in His kindness, complements the First Reading and Gospel by highlighting the importance of turning to God in times of distress. It serves as a reminder of God's constant presence and willingness to offer grace and forgiveness.

What are the key lessons from the Gospel reading on Tuesday of the 4th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?

The Gospel of Mark 5:21-43 teaches about faith, hope, and Jesus' power over life and death. It shows how Jesus responds to the faith of Jairus and the bleeding woman, offering healing and restoration. This passage invites us to trust in Jesus' power and to approach Him with a deep sense of faith in our own lives.

How can David's reaction to Absalom's death in the First Reading for Tuesday of the 4th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 be understood in today's context?

David's intense grief over Absalom's death, despite Absalom's rebellion, reflects the unconditional nature of parental love. This can be a point of reflection on the complexities of family relationships and the challenge of loving unconditionally in difficult circumstances.

What is the connection between the First Reading and the Gospel on Tuesday of the 4th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?

Both readings explore themes of life, death, and grief. While David mourns the loss of his son Absalom, the Gospel shows Jesus bringing Jairus's daughter back to life. This juxtaposition highlights the Christian belief in Jesus' power over death and the hope of resurrection.

Can Psalm 86 be used for personal prayer on Tuesday of the 4th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?

Absolutely. Psalm 86's themes of seeking God's mercy, forgiveness, and joy are universal and can be a source of comfort and inspiration in personal prayer. It encourages a personal relationship with God, rooted in trust and faith.

How does the story of the bleeding woman in Mark 5 relate to modern-day struggles?

The story of the bleeding woman reflects struggles with chronic issues, be they physical, emotional, or spiritual. Her act of touching Jesus' cloak symbolizes the act of reaching out in faith despite long-standing challenges, encouraging individuals to seek healing and hope in Jesus.

What message does the Gospel on Tuesday of the 4th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 offer to those who feel hopeless?

The Gospel offers a message of hope and the power of faith. The healing of the bleeding woman and the revival of Jairus's daughter remind us that even in seemingly hopeless situations, faith in Jesus can bring about miraculous changes and restoration.

How can the themes from the readings on Tuesday of the 4th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 be applied in a homily?

A homily could focus on themes like the power of faith, the complexity of human emotions, and God's mercy and healing. It could encourage the congregation to reflect on their own faith journey, the nature of their relationships, and their reliance on God's grace in times of need.

What reflection can be drawn from King David's lament for Absalom on Tuesday of the 4th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?

David's lament for Absalom can lead to reflections on the nature of forgiveness, the pain of family conflicts, and the challenges of leadership. It invites us to consider how we deal with personal betrayals and the extent of our capacity for forgiveness and reconciliation.