Monday of the 3rd Week in Ordinary Time

• First Reading – 2 Samuel 5:1-7, 10: David, with unified support from Israel’s tribes, was anointed king, fulfilling God’s promise to shepherd His people. Overcoming Jebusites, he established his reign in Jerusalem, empowered by the Lord.
• Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 89: God declares His choice of David, anointing him as a leader. He promises enduring support and strength, ensuring David’s growing influence and expansive dominion.
• Gospel – Mark 3:22-30: Confronted by scribes from Jerusalem, who accused Him of demonic possession and power, Jesus used parables to refute their claims. He argued that a kingdom or house divided against itself can’t stand, implying that Satan wouldn’t drive out his own demons. He likened casting out demons to overpowering a strong man to plunder his house. Jesus then solemnly warned that while all sins can be forgiven, blasphemy against the Holy Spirit is an unforgivable offense, directly addressing their blasphemous accusations against Him.

Lectionary Reference: 317

Upcoming dates: January 26, 2026, January 24, 2028, January 28, 2030, January 26, 2032

If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. And if a house is divided against itself, that house will not be able to stand.

Mark 3:24-25

On Monday of the 3rd Week in Ordinary Time, Cycle 2, the readings encourage us to reflect on themes of leadership, trust in God, and the seriousness of following Him faithfully. The first reading describes David becoming king, while the Gospel focuses on Jesus’ warning against attributing His work to evil.

• David’s Call to Lead: David is chosen as king, uniting the people of Israel. His leadership shows that God calls and equips people for His purposes, guiding them to lead others in faith.
• Trust in God’s Plan: David’s rise to power shows that God has a plan for His people. This trust reminds us that even in times of change, God’s will is at work.
• The Power of Unity: The tribes of Israel come together to support David as king. This unity strengthens the kingdom, teaching us the importance of working together under God’s guidance.
• Recognizing God’s Work: In the Gospel, Jesus warns against attributing His works to evil. It is essential to acknowledge the good God is doing, rather than being closed to His actions in our lives.
• The Danger of Closed Hearts: Jesus speaks against the hard-heartedness of those who doubt Him. Closed hearts can blind us to God’s work and prevent us from receiving His grace.
• The Call to Follow: David’s life and the Gospel remind us of the call to follow God faithfully. We are invited to be open to His calling, willing to serve and trust His guidance.

These themes invite us to see the many ways God is working and calling us to respond with faith. Monday of the 3rd Week in Ordinary Time, Cycle 2, encourages us to be open-hearted and faithful, ready to embrace God’s guidance in all areas of life.

On Monday of the 3rd Week in Ordinary Time, Cycle 2, the readings invite us to consider themes of unity, openness, and trust in God’s timing. As the tribes of Israel come together to support David as their king, we see the power of working together under God’s guidance. In the Gospel, Jesus warns against closed hearts that prevent us from recognizing God’s work. Both readings remind us that following God’s plan requires patience and a willingness to accept His timing in all things.

The Power of Unity Under God

On Monday of the 3rd Week in Ordinary Time, Cycle 2, the first reading shows the tribes of Israel coming together to support David as their king. This moment of unity is significant because it strengthens the kingdom. Instead of each tribe acting on its own, they come together with a shared purpose. Their unity under David helps to protect them and enables them to build a strong foundation for their future.

This unity teaches us about the importance of working together, especially when guided by faith. Just as the tribes put aside their differences to follow David, we are called to support each other in faith and prayer. Working together as believers is powerful; it allows us to accomplish more than we could on our own. When we unite under God, we are stronger and better able to face challenges.

Unity among believers creates a community that reflects God’s love. We learn from the example of Israel that when we come together with a common purpose, we can bring about peace and stability. Monday of the 3rd Week in Ordinary Time, Cycle 2, invites us to look for ways to build unity in our lives—whether in our families, communities, or parishes—so that we can serve God faithfully together.

Open Hearts to God’s Work

In the Gospel reading for Monday of the 3rd Week in Ordinary Time, Cycle 2, Jesus addresses those who doubt Him and even accuse Him of being aligned with evil. Jesus speaks against their hard-heartedness, warning that such closed hearts can prevent people from seeing God’s true work. This moment reminds us that, if we are not careful, we too can close ourselves off to God’s help. A closed heart limits our ability to recognize God’s presence and respond to His grace.

Hard-heartedness often comes from fear or unwillingness to accept new ways God might be working in our lives. When we hold on too tightly to our own ideas, we can become blind to the good that God is doing around us. Jesus calls us to let go of these attitudes and open our hearts to His healing and guidance. An open heart can see beyond doubts and recognize God’s love, even in surprising or challenging situations.

Being open-hearted means being humble, willing to trust God, and letting go of judgments. Monday of the 3rd Week in Ordinary Time, Cycle 2, encourages us to check our own hearts and ask if we are truly open to what God is doing. Jesus invites us to soften our hearts, to recognize His work, and to stay ready to receive His grace in every situation.

Trust in God’s Timing and Plan

Both readings on Monday of the 3rd Week in Ordinary Time, Cycle 2, show us the value of trusting in God’s timing. David had waited many years after being anointed before he finally became king. Through his patience, he placed his trust in God’s plan, even when the journey was long and uncertain. David’s story reminds us that God’s plans unfold in their own time, often requiring faith and patience.

In the Gospel, Jesus also demonstrates patience in the face of doubt and opposition. Despite the accusations against Him, He continues His work without forcing anyone to believe. Jesus shows that faith isn’t about immediate results; it’s about steady commitment to following God. His example calls us to stay faithful, even when we don’t see changes right away.

Trusting God’s timing requires us to surrender our own desires and wait for His plan to unfold. Monday of the 3rd Week in Ordinary Time, Cycle 2, invites us to consider the ways we can practice patience and faith in our lives. By trusting that God is working, even when we don’t see the full picture, we open ourselves to the peace that comes from knowing He is in control.

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Reflecting on these messages, we are encouraged to think about how unity, openness, and trust play a role in our own lives. Monday of the 3rd Week in Ordinary Time, Cycle 2, calls us to build community, to stay open to God’s work, and to trust Him, even when we don’t see the whole picture. With God’s help, we can strengthen our faith and grow closer to Him by embracing these themes.

Prayer

Lord, thank You for calling us to unity, openness, and trust. Help us to open our hearts to Your guidance and to wait patiently for Your timing. Teach us to live in harmony with others and to see Your work all around us. Guide us always in Your love. Amen.

Reflection Questions

• How can I promote unity in my family, church, or community?
• Are there ways in which my heart has been closed to God’s work?
• How can I practice patience and trust in God’s timing?
• What helps me stay open to God’s guidance, even in difficult times?

Embracing Unity in Divisive Times

This USCCB video reflection for Monday of the Third Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 focuses on the dangers of division within the Church, community, and individual lives. Highlighting Jesus’ teaching that divided kingdoms fail, it challenges the divisive mentality often seen in contemporary society. The reflection underscores the strength in unity, as professed in the Catholic Church and national pledges. It encourages viewing ourselves as part of a mosaic, each with unique gifts, coming together to form a unified spiritual edifice, the Body of Christ, and calls for prayers for unity in times of division.

What date is Monday of the 3rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?

The next date is Monday January 26, 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 Monday of the 3rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1.

What are the Mass readings for Monday of the 3rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?

The Mass readings for Monday January 26, 2026 are:
First Reading  – 2 Samuel 5:1-7, 10: David Anointed King of Israel
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 89: God’s Promise to David
Gospel – Mark 3:22-30: Jesus Confronts Accusations

What does it mean that David was chosen as king in the first reading for Monday of the 3rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?

David being chosen as king shows that God calls people to lead for His purposes. It reminds us that God sees our hearts and can guide us to fulfill a role in His plan.

Why did all the tribes of Israel support David as king?

The tribes of Israel saw David as someone who would unite them. Their support of David reminds us that unity makes us stronger and helps us accomplish God’s work together.

How does David’s story in the first reading for Monday of the 3rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 apply to our own lives?

David’s story shows that God has a plan for each of us, even if it takes time. We can trust that God is working in our lives and guiding us toward what He wants us to do.

What does unity among the tribes teach us?

Unity among the tribes teaches us the strength that comes from working together. It reminds us that God often brings people together for a greater purpose.

What lesson does David’s leadership give us?

David’s leadership shows us that true leaders serve with humility and faith. It teaches us that God values leaders who listen to Him and put others first.

How does the reading for Monday of the 3rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 encourage us to follow God’s plan?

The reading shows that God’s plan may unfold slowly, as it did for David. We are encouraged to be patient and trust that God is guiding us on the right path.

What does Jesus mean when He warns against calling His work evil in the Gospel for Monday of the 3rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?

Jesus warns that ignoring or misunderstanding God’s work can lead us away from Him. This teaches us to keep our hearts open to seeing the good that God does, even if it surprises us.

Why is recognizing God’s work so important?

Recognizing God’s work helps us grow in faith and stay close to Him. If we ignore God’s actions, we may miss His guidance and help in our lives.

What is the message about hard-heartedness in the Gospel?

Jesus speaks against having a hard heart because it prevents us from understanding or accepting God’s work. Staying open and humble allows us to receive God’s grace and grow in faith.

How can we apply the Gospel reading to our lives?

The Gospel reading calls us to stay open to the Holy Spirit and avoid judging others too quickly. By being open-hearted, we allow God to work through us and in others.