Awe and Action

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today challenge us to respond to the declaration of Nathan to David “Its You” as we contemplate our responsibility in the turbulent seas of our daily voyage.

Action to Calm the Storm

The Reading from the Second Book of  Samuel presents Nathan’s Parable and David’s Repentance

* [12:1–7] David has committed adultery with Bathsheba and arranged the death of her husband. Instead of directly indicting the king for this criminal abuse of his royal authority, the prophet Nathan tells David a story. In the story, a parable of David’s own actions, a powerful man takes cruel advantage of his vulnerable neighbor. Hearing the story, David is outraged and denounces the rich man—thus unwittingly pronouncing judgment on himself (“You are the man,” v. 7).

* [12:6] Fourfold restitution: David’s judgment foreshadows the deaths of four of his own sons: the child born of his adulterous union with Bathsheba (v. 18); Amnon (13:28–29); Absalom (18:15; 19:1); and Adonijah (1 Kgs 2:24–25).

* [12:11] In broad daylight: lit., “before the eyes of the sun”; the phrase echoes “before your very eyes” and anticipates “in the presence of the sun itself” (v. 12). The reference is to Absalom’s action in appropriating his father’s harem (16:22). (2 Samuel, CHAPTER 12 | USCCB, n.d.)

Psalm 51 prays for the removal of the personal and social disorders that sin has brought.

* [Psalm 51] A lament, the most famous of the seven Penitential Psalms, prays for the removal of the personal and social disorders that sin has brought. The poem has two parts of approximately equal length: Ps 51:3–10 and Ps 51:11–19, and a conclusion in Ps 51:20–21. The two parts interlock by repetition of “blot out” in the first verse of each section (Ps 51:3, 11), of “wash (away)” just after the first verse of each section (Ps 51:4) and just before the last verse (Ps 51:9) of the first section, and of “heart,” “God,” and “spirit” in Ps 51:12, 19. The first part (Ps 51:3–10) asks deliverance from sin, not just a past act but its emotional, physical, and social consequences. The second part (Ps 51:11–19) seeks something more profound than wiping the slate clean: nearness to God, living by the spirit of God (Ps 51:12–13), like the relation between God and people described in Jer 31:33–34. Nearness to God brings joy and the authority to teach sinners (Ps 51:15–16). Such proclamation is better than offering sacrifice (Ps 51:17–19). The last two verses express the hope that God’s good will toward those who are cleansed and contrite will prompt him to look favorably on the acts of worship offered in the Jerusalem Temple (Ps 51:19 [20–21]). (Psalms, PSALM 51 | USCCB, n.d.)

In the Gospel of Mark, Jesus calms a Storm at Sea.

* [4:35–5:43] After the chapter on parables, Mark narrates four miracle stories: Mk 4:35–41; 5:1–20; and two joined together in Mk 5:21–43. See also notes on Mt 8:23–34 and 9:8–26.

* [4:39] Quiet! Be still!: as in the case of silencing a demon (Mk 1:25), Jesus rebukes the wind and subdues the turbulence of the sea by a mere word; see note on Mt 8:26.

* [4:41] Jesus is here depicted as exercising power over wind and sea. In the Christian community this event was seen as a sign of Jesus’ saving presence amid persecutions that threatened its existence. (Mark, CHAPTER 4 | USCCB, n.d.)

Steve Scholer comments that God wants us to follow with a heart open to his calling, an obedience demonstrated in how we live our lives in service to others, not just by attending Mass or reading daily devotions. How we conduct our daily affairs shows that we honor his authority and his commandments, and that we place our complete trust in God.

Obedience that is not simply adhering to rules but a conscience and willing submission of one’s will to God’s authority is what we should strive for. This type of obedience, based on love, is far better than one based on ritual. And if we choose to follow this path with a willing heart, we will have a closer and more personal relationship with God.

Obedience to God’s message for us must be truly from the heart and done with the intention to serve God, not out of fear, duty, or anticipated reward. For how we live our lives and immerse ourselves in helping those around is how best to be obedient to God’s will. (Scholer, n.d.)

Don Schwager quotes “Awakening the Christ asleep within you,” by Augustine of Hippo, 354-430 A.D.

"When you have to listen to abuse, that means you are being buffeted by the wind. When your anger is roused, you are being tossed by the waves. So when the winds blow and the waves mount high, the boat is in danger, your heart is imperiled, your heart is taking a battering. On hearing yourself insulted, you long to retaliate; but the joy of revenge brings with it another kind of misfortune - shipwreck. Why is this? Because Christ is asleep in you. What do I mean? I mean you have forgotten his presence. Rouse him, then; remember him, let him keep watch within you, pay heed to him... A temptation arises: it is the wind. It disturbs you: it is the surging of the sea. This is the moment to awaken Christ and let him remind you of those words: 'Who can this be? Even the winds and the sea obey him." (excerpt from Sermons 63:1-3) (Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on Mark 4:35-41 comments on “godly fear”. It’s a new recognition of God’s holiness, majesty, and power. This fear causes a new prayer to arise in our hearts. It’s a prayer of reverence that acknowledges God’s power and his sovereignty over all creation—and over our lives. This holy fear humbles us and moves us to surrender our concerns to him—and to trust in his wisdom. It tells us that this God, who loves us unconditionally, is utterly able to care for us and our loved ones, even if we don’t understand how he will do it.

Yes, Jesus is so powerful that the mighty winds and the churning seas of life obey him. But never forget that this holy, all-powerful God is your God and your Savior. He is in the boat with you. He is on your side. He will not let you sink. So cry out to him when you are afraid. But cry out in holy fear, trusting in him and surrendering to his care!

“Jesus, I trust in you and in your awesome power and authority over all creation!” (Meditation on Mark 4:35-41, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler comments in 2 Samuel Nathan advises David about the man with a little ewe lamb killed by the rich family “Who are the Man” “It’s you” God will send punishment in secret will be done in public The child of Bathsheba dies. David turns from sin and seeks mercy from the Lord. In Mark, we encounter the first of the series of nature, exorcisms, and healing miracles. First, He calms the sea, a reservoir of evil. In Calming the sea it shows Jesus' power over the demonic force in the sea, as spiritual forces. The disciples are filled with awe and wonder as Jesus does an exorcism and two healings. Friar Jude notes that, after all this, the people say “who does he think He is .“ In Nazareth they know Him too well.

Father Richard Rohr, OFM, introduces Biblical scholars Christopher Hoklotubbe and Daniel Zacharias who describe an Indigenous way of reading the Bible as a circle or dance that makes room for all that is encouraging and difficult. As Oglala Lakota elder Black Elk wrote, “You will notice that everything the Indian does is in a circle … the power from the sacred hoop.”

The words of Scripture have become the wisdom of our adoptive elders and ancestors. The desire for the Scriptures to dominate as the sole authority, denigrating and replacing Indigenous cultural traditions, is a colonizing form of Christianity that Indigenous people the world over have encountered.

Indigenous followers of Christ do not enter into this relationship blissfully ignorant and unwilling to reckon with the sometimes harsh realities of the biblical text.… Indigenous encounters with the biblical text have not shied away from wrestling with and critiquing the biblical text. Jacob/Israel encountered God at Bethel and wrestled through the night with him (Genesis 32:22–31). He left the encounter with a blessing but also with a limp. The Scriptures today are like a modern-day Bethel for the family of faith—a place in which we encounter God and can leave the encounter blessed or bruised, sometimes both simultaneously. But in the midst of these encounters, we maintain our hope in the power of the “God-breathed” or “inspired” Scriptures (2 Timothy 3:16) to give life to those who hold them as sacred. (Rohr, 2026)

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 are invited by the Spirit to meditate on the “storms” of fear, anxiety, despair, and isolation where we have experienced calming of the sea through awakening our relationship with Jesus.

References

Mark, CHAPTER 4 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved January 31, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/mark/4?35 

Meditation on Mark 4:35-41. (n.d.). Word Among Us. Retrieved January 31, 2026, from https://wau.org/meditations/2026/01/31/1491045/ 

Psalms, PSALM 51 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved January 31, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/51?12 

Rohr, R. (2026, January 29). More than One Meaning — Center for Action and Contemplation. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved January 31, 2026, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/more-than-one-meaning/ 

Scholer, S. (n.d.). Daily Reflection. Creighton Online Ministries: Home. Retrieved January 31, 2026, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/daily-reflections/daily-reflection-january-31-2026 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). Why Are You Afraid? Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved January 31, 2026, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/ 

2 Samuel, CHAPTER 12 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved January 31, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/2samuel/12?1 

Called to Heal

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary challenge us to contemplate the areas in our lives where we are called to bring healing to the people and circumstances we encounter.

Healing and Help

In the Reading from the First Letter of Samuel, while searching for The Lost Donkeys, Saul Meets Samuel.

h. [9:16] 1 Sm 10:1; Jgs 6:14. (1 Samuel, CHAPTER 9 | USCCB, n.d.)

Psalm 21 is a Royal Psalm of thanksgiving.

* [Psalm 21] The first part of this royal Psalm is a thanksgiving (Ps 21:2–8), and the second is a promise that the king will triumph over his enemies (Ps 21:9–13). The king’s confident prayer (Ps 21:3–5) and trust in God (Ps 21:8) enable him to receive the divine gifts of vitality, peace, and military success. Ps 21:14 reprises Ps 21:2. When kings ceased in Israel after the sixth century B.C., the Psalm was sung of a future Davidic king. (Psalms, PSALM 21 | USCCB, n.d.)

The Gospel of Mark presents the Call of Levi.

* [2:13] He taught them: see note on Mk 1:21–45.

* [2:14] As he passed by: see note on Mk 1:16–20. Levi, son of Alphaeus: see note on Mt 9:9. Customs post: such tax collectors paid a fixed sum for the right to collect customs duties within their districts. Since whatever they could collect above this amount constituted their profit, the abuse of extortion was widespread among them. Hence, Jewish customs officials were regarded as sinners (Mk 2:16), outcasts of society, and disgraced along with their families. He got up and followed him: i.e., became a disciple of Jesus.

* [2:15] In his house: cf. Mk 2:1; Mt 9:10. Lk 5:29 clearly calls it Levi’s house.

* [2:16–17] This and the following conflict stories reflect a similar pattern: a statement of fact, a question of protest, and a reply by Jesus.

* [2:17] Do not need a physician: this maxim of Jesus with its implied irony was uttered to silence his adversaries who objected that he ate with tax collectors and sinners (Mk 2:16). Because the scribes and Pharisees were self-righteous, they were not capable of responding to Jesus’ call to repentance and faith in the gospel. (Mark, CHAPTER 2 | USCCB, n.d.)

Cindy Costanzo comments that today's scripture from both the Old Testament and the New Testament shares how God calls us throughout our lives in many ways aligned with our gifts and talents.

 

God called both Saul and Levi - one to be King and the other to be a disciple. God calls all of us into discipleship - are we able to hear the call? God always has great things in mind for us…our journey in life changes based on our ability to open our heart and listen to the quiet stirrings; to open our minds, to trust, and explore what that call may be or mean in our lives. 

God’s love for us is not transactional - God knows us intimately and what we are capable of…we all are meant to be ‘lights’ guiding others to the light…God’s light. (Costanzo, n.d.)

Don Schwager quotes “No physician can avoid the arena of sickness,” by Gregory of Nazianzus (330 - 390 AD).

"When Jesus is attacked for mixing with sinners, and taking as his disciple a despised tax collector, one might ask: What could he possibly gain by doing so? (Luke 15:2) Only the salvation of sinners. To blame Jesus for mingling with sinners would be like blaming a physician for stooping down over suffering and putting up with vile smells in order to heal the sick." (excerpt from ORATION 45, ON HOLY EASTER 26) (Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on Mark 2:13-17 comments that frankly, we all need Jesus! The tax collectors and prostitutes whom Jesus spent time with were not the only sinners he was concerned about. The upright, too—including those who were concerned about the spiritual state of Jesus’ dinner guests—had their own sins and struggles. Whether they knew it or not, Jesus had come to save them, too.

If you’re like most people, you probably have a few appointments on your calendar: with doctors, dentists, therapists, or just get-togethers with friends. How about making an appointment with Jesus, the Divine Physician, perhaps in Confession or Adoration or at Mass. Or maybe you could make a daily appointment to meet him in prayer!

Come to Jesus. Follow him. Let him continue to heal you.

“Here I am, Lord; make me whole!” (Meditation on Mark 2:13-17, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler comments that the first reading begins the search of the people for a king. Saul asks for the seer, a man who knows the future or hidden knowledge. Samuel anoints Saul as the "anointed one”, a messiah , not The Messiah. The call of Levi, the tax collector, considered inherently dishonest people working for the occupying Romans, is not understood by the Pharisees. The were hated but Jesus calls Levi to follow Him and then scandalizes them by sharing table. These people are broken people and He wants to heal them by eating and showing them courtesy and decent treatment. Friar Jude reminds us that Jesus reaches out to those who most need him and we should ask ourselves about our actions to reach out.

Father Richard Rohr introduces author Sherri Mitchell who invites us to attend to the stories of our own creation. She is informed by science and the traditions of her Penobscot heritage.

When we are born into this world, our umbilical connection is transferred from our birth mother to the Earth mother. Our umbilical connection with the Earth mother then nurtures and sustains us for the remainder of our human lives.

Though we have migrated a great distance, the radiance of that star dust still resonates within us. It is the essence of something indescribable that is etched upon our souls. It stirs something deep within us. This stirring is a call of recognition, of remembrance. It continuously reminds us that we are infinitely connected to one another, to the natural world, and to a unified divine source. Evidence of our shared origin can be found all around us. Science has finally caught up with what we have always known, that we are all related. We are all made out of the same foundational elements. It is simply the arrangement of those elements that gives distinct form to what we see before us. We share DNA with every other living being. Approximately 98 percent of our DNA is shared with primates, and about 35 percent is shared with plants…. We all come from the same originating source, and we all comprise the same foundational elements. (Rohr, 2026)

We seek guidance from the Spirit to become aware of the need of healing in our environment and strength to be a “physician” in Jesus Way.

References

Costanzo, C. (n.d.). Daily Reflection. Creighton Online Ministries: Home. Retrieved January 17, 2026, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/daily-reflections/daily-reflection-january-17-2026 

Mark, CHAPTER 2 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved January 17, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/mark/2?13 

Meditation on Mark 2:13-17. (n.d.). Word Among Us. Retrieved January 17, 2026, from https://wau.org/meditations/2026/01/17/1481638/ 

1 Samuel, CHAPTER 9 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved January 17, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/1samuel/9?1 

Psalms, PSALM 21 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved January 17, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/21?2 

Rohr, R. (2026, January 15). In the Beginning: Weekly Summary. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved January 17, 2026, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/in-the-beginning-weekly-summary/ 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). Many Sinners Were Sitting with Jesus. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved January 17, 2026, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/