Dynasty and Decision

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today challenge us to awareness of the culture of control and false praise that lead us to poor decisions.

Constitutional Decisions

The Reading from the Book of Sirach presents David as a type of Greek hero.

* [47:1–11] An idealized portrait of David; cf. 1 Chronicles. (Sirach, CHAPTER 47 | USCCB, n.d.)

Psalm 18 has two parallel reports of rescue and a conclusion.

* [Psalm 18] A royal thanksgiving for a military victory, duplicated in 2 Sm 22. Thanksgiving Psalms are in essence reports of divine rescue. The Psalm has two parallel reports of rescue, the first told from a heavenly perspective (Ps 18:5–20), and the second from an earthly perspective (Ps 18:36–46). The first report adapts old mythic language of a cosmic battle between sea and rainstorm in order to depict God’s rescue of the Israelite king from his enemies. Each report has a short hymnic introduction (Ps 18:2–4, 32–36) and conclusion (Ps 18:21–31, 47–50). (Psalms, PSALM 18 | USCCB, n.d.)

The Gospel of Mark presents The Death of John the Baptist.

* [6:14–16] The various opinions about Jesus anticipate the theme of his identity that reaches its climax in Mk 8:27–30.

* [6:14] King Herod: see note on Mt 14:1.

* [6:17–29] Similarities are to be noted between Mark’s account of the imprisonment and death of John the Baptist in this pericope, and that of the passion of Jesus (Mk 15:1–47). Herod and Pilate, each in turn, acknowledges the holiness of life of one over whom he unjustly exercises the power of condemnation and death (Mk 6:26–27; 15:9–10, 14–15). The hatred of Herodias toward John parallels that of the Jewish leaders toward Jesus. After the deaths of John and of Jesus, well-disposed persons request the bodies of the victims of Herod and of Pilate in turn to give them respectful burial (Mk 6:29; 15:45–46).

* [6:19] Herodias: see note on Mt 14:3. (Mark, CHAPTER 6 | USCCB, n.d.)

Jay Carney comments that even though he does not wish to kill John, Herod fears losing honor among the “leading men of Galilee”; reneging on a boastful oath would undermine his social status as a political “big man”; his celebratory banquet reeks of ostentatious wealth. He created a social situation in which he had “no other choice” than to kill John the Baptist.

But this, of course, is a rationalization. Herod stood at the apex of a social structure of sin that could not tolerate the prophetic challenges of John the Baptist’s of the world. In my own life, I, too, can justify many things from the place where I stand, or the prestige I need to protect, or my fears of losing face in front of family, friends, or colleagues. But this does not vacate my ethical and spiritual responsibility. For Ignatius, we may not always act out of a God-centered interior freedom, but we are still responsible moral agents. (Carney, n.d.)

Don Schwager quotes “The Weakness of the Tyrant and the Power of the Beheaded,” by John Chrysostom (347-407 AD).

"Note well the weakness of the tyrant compared to the power of the one in prison. Herod was not strong enough to silence his own tongue. Having opened it, he opened up countless other mouths in its place and with its help. As for John, he immediately inspired fear in Herod after his murder - for fear was disturbing Herod's conscience to such an extent that he believed John had been raised from the dead and was performing miracles (Mark 6:14-16)! In our own day and through all future time, throughout all the world, John continues to refute Herod, both through himself and through others. For each person repeatedly reading this Gospel says: 'It is not lawful for you to have the wife of Philip your brother' (Mark 6:18). And even apart from reading the Gospel, in assemblies and meetings at home or in the market, in every place... even to the very ends of the earth, you will hear this voice and see that righteous man even now still crying out, resounding loudly, reproving the evil of the tyrant. He will never be silenced nor the reproof at all weakened by the passing of time." (excerpt from ON THE PROVIDENCE OF GOD 22.8-9) (Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on Sirach 47:2-11 comments that in the same way that the people of Israel used the psalms in both personal and liturgical prayer, we can use them in our daily prayer. When we turn away from God and need to ask for his mercy, prayers like Psalms 6 and 51 can help us to acknowledge our sin and offer us words to express our repentance to the Lord. And when we want to thank God and praise him for all his blessings, we can pray today’s psalm, for example, or any number of others that will inspire us to extol our faithful Lord.

So let the psalms inspire you with words of praise and thanksgiving. Let them fill your heart with the same joy that King David had. Today, you can join him and sing:

“Extolled be God my savior! (Psalm 18:47)” (Meditation on Sirach 47:2-11, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler comments on the theme of Sirach, written in the time when Greeks had conquered Israel. The traditions of Jews are presented as good as Greek traditions. and Jewish heroes were just as good too. Sirach speaks about the history of David trying to show a man of God. He avoids the sins that David had committed and as in Chronicles that tells history as it should have happened. King Herod tries to figure out who the Baptist is. John condemned the marriage of Herod and Herotius hated John the Baptist and sought the death of the Baptist. It is a warning to maintain the value of people over words. Friar Jude notes the disciples of John bury his body, but the “head” shows up in several places and a lot of things regarding “relics” are not as clear as they should be.

Father Richard Rohr, OFM, introduces The Francis Factor, and activist Shane Claiborne who told a story about how his community’s study of Jubilee and their unexpected receipt of $10,000 in a legal settlement led to a creative action on Wall Street. 

Let’s have a Jubilee party and let’s do it on Wall Street.” We invited a bunch of homeless folks from all over New York, many of them friends, and we said, “Hey, we’re going to go to Wall Street and we’re going to give away the money that we won in a lawsuit.

We preached it that morning and then Sister Margaret [a Catholic sister] announced the Jubilee, blew the ram’s horn, and money started pouring out everywhere. I mean, we had people on the balconies with paper money. They start pouring it out…. It was beautiful. They’re singing. This one … street sweeper, he’s got his dustpan filled with money. He’s like, “It is a good day at work. Hallelujah!” Another guy grabs some money off the street and he said, “Now I can get the prescription I needed. Thank you.” We even had folks from inside Wall Street that heard about what was happening. They said, “We heard that there’s more fun happening out here, so we’re here.” One guy just said, “I want to start getting bagels and giving them out,” and he did. It was contagious….

I think that in the end, our goal is not to create enemies but is actually to courageously proclaim the vision of God that is so big that everyone is welcome. But it also means, as Desmond Tutu says, that those who have been oppressed are free from oppression, and those who have done the oppressing are free from being the oppressor, that everyone is set free. [1] That’s the invitation for us. (Rohr, n.d.)

Catholic theologian David Deane talks with Jeff Douglas, on CBC Mainstreet, about why so many American Christians support US President Donald Trump in spite of his sins. Deane cites the Biblical King David as a source of the American belief that good can come from evil actions by our leaders.

We ask the Spirit to enhance our awareness of the paths of oppression, greed, and violence that may be subtle in our culture as we proclaim Jesus' love and freedom for all.

References

Carney, J. (n.d.). Daily Reflection. Creighton Online Ministries: Home. Retrieved February 6, 2026, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/daily-reflections/daily-reflection-february-6-2026 

Mark, CHAPTER 6 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved February 6, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/mark/6? 

Meditation on Sirach 47:2-11. (n.d.). Word Among Us. Retrieved February 6, 2026, from https://wau.org/meditations/2026/02/06/1495019/ 

Psalms, PSALM 18 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved February 6, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/18?31 

Rohr, R. (n.d.). Daily Meditations — Center for Action and Contemplation. CAC.org. Retrieved February 6, 2026, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/jubilee-action-on-wall-street/ 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). Herod's Guilty Conscience. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved February 6, 2026, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/ 

Sirach, CHAPTER 47 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved February 6, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/sirach/47?2 

Abundance and Mission

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today resonate with last instructions and our acceptance of direction in our mission.

A Path for Life

The Reading from the First Letter of Kings presents David’s Last Instructions and Death.

a. [2:3] Dt 17:18–19.

b. [2:4] 2 Sm 7:11–16; Ps 132:11–12.

f. [2:10] Acts 2:29.

g. [2:11] 2 Sm 2:1–4; 5:1–5. (1 Kings, CHAPTER 2 | USCCB, n.d.)

The Responsorial Psalm from First Chronicles is David’s Prayer.

i. [29:12] 2 Chr 20:6; Wis 6:3. (1 Chronicles, CHAPTER 29 | USCCB, n.d.)

The Gospel of Mark proclaims The Mission of the Twelve.

* [6:8–9] In Mark the use of a walking stick (Mk 6:8) and sandals (Mk 6:9) is permitted, but not in Mt 10:10 nor in Lk 10:4. Mark does not mention any prohibition to visit pagan territory and to enter Samaritan towns. These differences indicate a certain adaptation to conditions in and outside of Palestine and suggest in Mark’s account a later activity in the church. For the rest, Jesus required of his apostles a total dependence on God for food and shelter; cf. Mk 6:35–44; 8:1–9.

* [6:10–11] Remaining in the same house as a guest (Mk 6:10) rather than moving to another offering greater comfort avoided any impression of seeking advantage for oneself and prevented dishonor to one’s host. Shaking the dust off one’s feet served as testimony against those who rejected the call to repentance. (Mark, CHAPTER 6 | USCCB, n.d.)

Carol Zuegner asks How can I focus more on people, and not things?  What can I do to help make the world a better place, right now, right here?

We get weighed down by things and titles and the ways we think we have to live our lives to be successful. Take Let me look at my life and figure out ways to pack light. I don’t expect perfection, but I can take steps to drop some of these things that can become burdens.

The second reminder for me from today’s gospel is when Jesus tells the apostles to leave a place that does not welcome them and “shake the dust off your feet.” For me, I think this means to acknowledge mistakes, work to correct them, and move on. This applies to myself and to others. Not everything works out. I will make mistakes. Other people will make mistakes. Let me assume good intentions. Let me work to make sure my intentions are good, that I do see the good in everyone. Let me let go of grudges, of past hurts and misunderstandings. Let me see God in all things, including myself. Let me shake the dust of those grudges and perceived slights and move on. (Zuegner, n.d.)

Don Schwager quotes “Jesus gives them power to heal and cast out evil spirits,” by Cyril of Alexandria (376-444 AD).

"The grace bestowed upon the holy apostles is worthy of all admiration. But the bountifulness of the Giver surpasses all praise and admiration. He gives them, as I said, his own glory. They receive authority over the evil spirits. They reduce to nothing the pride of the devil that was so highly exalted and arrogant. They render ineffectual the demon's wickedness. By the might and efficacy of the Holy Spirit, burning them as if they were on fire, they make the devil come forth with groans and weeping from those whom he had possessed... "He glorified his disciples, therefore, by giving them authority and power over the evil spirits and over sicknesses. Did he honor them without reason and make them famous without any logical cause? How can this be true? It was necessary, most necessary, that they should be able to work miracles, having been publicly appointed ministers of sacred proclamations. By means of their works, they then could convince men that they were the ministers of God and mediators of all beneath the heaven. The apostles then could invite them all to reconciliation and justification by faith and point out the way of salvation and of life that is this justification." (excerpt from COMMENTARY ON LUKE, HOMILY 47) (Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on 1 Kings 2:1-4, 10-12 comments that when it came to handing on his kingdom, David knew that Solomon’s relationship with God was far more important than what he owned or whom he commanded. That relationship would be the foundation on which his kingdom would be built.

The same goes for you. Even if you’ve had your ups and downs, like David, you can still invite the people you care about to follow the Lord. You can leave them the legacy of the way you related to the Lord during your life and how that affected the way you related to other people. They can learn from the example of how you received mercy from God, how you did your best to serve him and trust him, and how you intend to love him to the end. These are the priorities that will leave a priceless inheritance for your loved ones. Because the best legacy you can leave your family is the example of a life surrendered to the Lord.

“Father, help me to love you better so that my life can be a lasting example for everyone who knows me.” (Meditation on 1 Kings 2:1-4, 10-12, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler comments that in 1 Kings David gives Solomon a set of instructions to follow the Lord and walk in His way. Another set of David’s instructions resonates with a mafia don. David had reigned seven years in Hebron and 33 years in Jerusalem. In the Gospel of Mark, Jesus sends the disciples out two by two. Providence will provide what they need. Some will not accept the message so be prepared to shake the dust off your feet. Don’t cast pearls to the swine. Friar Jude notes that the twelve are healing and blessing in the Kingdom that comes through Word and Deed.

Father Richard Rohr, OFM, encourages us to pray for a worldview of abundance instead of scarcity.

The worldview of abundance depends upon us recognizing that we are in touch with an Infinite Source. If we’ve never made contact with our Infinite Source, we will be stingy, even selfish. We will guard and hoard the portion we have. This affects much of our politics and policies in this country. We’re always afraid that someone else is taking what we have earned, as if we had earned it entirely by ourselves. Most of it has been given to us, yes, by our work, but also by grace and freedom, and the choices of many other people, almost despite ourselves.

Jesus represents the worldview of abundance in every one of his multiplication miracles and stories. There’s always the making of much out of little and there are always baskets left over. That’s the only possible message: There’s plenty! If we learn to be creative, if we learn to be imaginative, if we learn to be a little less selfish, there’s always another way to look at it and another way to make sure all are fed. (Rohr, n.d.)

We reflect on the message in the life of King David and the resonance of the commission of the Twelve to teach and heal with the expectation that Providence would support their “packing light” and “shaking the dust” from activity that is met by rejection.

References

Mark, CHAPTER 6 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved February 5, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/mark/6?7 

Meditation on 1 Kings 2:1-4, 10-12. (n.d.). Word Among Us. Retrieved February 5, 2026, from https://wau.org/meditations/2026/02/05/1494436/ 

1 Chronicles, CHAPTER 29 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved February 5, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/1chronicles/29?10 

1 Kings, CHAPTER 2 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved February 5, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/1kings/2?1 

Rohr, R. (n.d.). There Is More Than Enough. CAC.org. Retrieved February 5, 2026, from https://cac.org/https://cac.org/daily-meditations/there-is-more-than-enough/ 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). Jesus Gave Them Authority over Sickness and Unclean Spirits. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved February 5, 2026, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/ 

Zuegner, C. (n.d.). Daily Reflection. Creighton Online Ministries: Home. Retrieved February 5, 2026, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/daily-reflections/daily-reflection-february-5-2026