Kings and Kindness

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today challenge us to examine our tendency to transfer dealing with our desires and the social challenges of our time to authority figures. 

Constitution or King

The Reading from the First Book of Samuel presents the Request for a King and characteristics of Governance of the King.

* [8:1–22] From this chapter on, the editors of 1 Samuel provide two and sometimes three perspectives on the same event: e.g., the selection of Saul as king is recounted in chap. 8; 10:17–24; chap. 12.

* [8:15] Officials: lit., eunuchs. These high-ranking administrators were not necessarily emasculated. (1 Samuel, CHAPTER 8 | USCCB, n.d.)

Psalm 89 laments the defeat of the Davidic king.

* [Psalm 89] The community laments the defeat of the Davidic king, to whom God promised kingship as enduring as the heavens (Ps 89:2–5). The Psalm narrates how God became king of the divine beings (Ps 89:6–9) and how the Davidic king became king of earthly kings (Ps 89:20–38). Since the defeat of the king calls into question God’s promise, the community ardently prays God to be faithful to the original promise to David (Ps 89:39–52). (Psalms, PSALM 89 | USCCB, n.d.)

The Gospel of Mark proclaims Jesus Healing of a Paralytic.

* [2:1–2] He was at home: to the crowds that gathered in and outside the house Jesus preached the word, i.e., the gospel concerning the nearness of the kingdom and the necessity of repentance and faith (Mk 1:14).

* [2:5] It was the faith of the paralytic and those who carried him that moved Jesus to heal the sick man. Accounts of other miracles of Jesus reveal more and more his emphasis on faith as the requisite for exercising his healing powers (Mk 5:34; 9:23–24; 10:52).

* [2:6] Scribes: trained in oral interpretation of the written law; in Mark’s gospel, adversaries of Jesus, with one exception (Mk 12:28, 34).

* [2:7] He is blaspheming: an accusation made here and repeated during the trial of Jesus (Mk 14:60–64).

* [2:10] But that you may know that the Son of Man…on earth: although Mk 2:8–9 are addressed to the scribes, the sudden interruption of thought and structure in Mk 2:10 seems not addressed to them nor to the paralytic. Moreover, the early public use of the designation “Son of Man” to unbelieving scribes is most unlikely. The most probable explanation is that Mark’s insertion of Mk 2:10 is a commentary addressed to Christians for whom he recalls this miracle and who already accept in faith that Jesus is Messiah and Son of God. (Mark, CHAPTER 2 | USCCB, n.d.)

Rev. John Shea, SJ observes that we are sheep, following the most popular celebrity, influencer, or entertainer. We are sheep, following the most charismatic political or religious leader. So, he is not surprised when, in our first reading, the ancient Israelites approach Samuel and ask him to appoint a king to rule over them.

So, I’m not surprised when, in our first reading, the ancient Israelites approach Samuel and ask him to appoint a king to rule over them. They want to be like the other nations and have a leader that they can follow. Samuel is disappointed with their request and gives them a lengthy warning, describing the numerous dangers of having an earthly king. But they ignore him and insist upon a king. God understands what really underlies their request, telling Samuel, “It is not you they reject, they are rejecting me as their king.”

Fortunately, today’s Gospel offers an important corrective in the person of Jesus. The Son of Man forgives sins and brings healing. Four men follow Jesus to his place in Capernaum, bringing with them a paralytic. Jesus not only heals the paralytic but forgives his sins. No earthly king can do what Jesus can do. No celebrity, political, or religious figure can do what Jesus can do. Only Jesus embodies God’s infinite mercy and goodness. We may be hard-wired to act like sheep, to be followers. But if Jesus is our shepherd, then we can trust that we will be in good and merciful hands. Don’t be a sheep unless Jesus is your shepherd. (Shea, n.d.)

Don Schwager quotes “Reverse your relation with sickness,” by Peter Chrysologus (400-450 AD).

"Take up your bed. Carry the very mat that once carried you. Change places, so that what was the proof of your sickness may now give testimony to your soundness. Your bed of pain becomes the sign of healing, its very weight the measure of the strength that has been restored to you." (excerpt from HOMILY 50.6)

[Peter Chrysologus was a renowned preacher and bishop of Ravena in the 5th century] (Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on 1 Samuel 8:4-7, 10-22 comments that we are called to be God’s people, too. And like the Israelites, we can face temptations to pursue the ways of the world. We may define success by the standards of the people around us or try to bolster our confidence by seeking worldly validation.

You have been set apart for God! He has called you to be his child, and he holds you in the palm of his hand. He loves you and has filled you with his life. Your life can be a great adventure as you listen to his Spirit and follow his ways. You can show the world a completely different way of living.

“Lord, thank you for calling me to be your own. I choose you as my King. Come and shine through me.” (Meditation on 1 Samuel 8:4-7, 10-22, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler comments that in 1 Samuel the people ask for a king as twelve separate tribes are now being attacked by the Philistines. Samuel tries to dissuade them by presenting the nature of kings and God reveals that they are selecting a king as they no longer trust in God. There are often four steps in Jesus' miracles: situation, appeal, action and reaction. Not quite this way in today’s Gospel. Lowering through the roof is the appeal. Jesus declares sins are forgiven as part of the healing but the reaction is anger as Jesus is taking a prerogative of God. It is often easier to heal a broken leg rather than a broken heart. Friar Jude reminds us that Jesus heals the deepest hurts of our heart and it is always the hunts that have come from our own selfishness and pride.

Father Richard Rohr introduces theologian Elizabeth Johnson who identifies love as the origin of all creation.

Poetic images abound. God speaks and the power of that word brings the world into being: Let there be, and lo! there it is. Again, God molds a human figure out of the dust of the earth and breathes the spirit of life into its nostrils, and it becomes a living being. Both are images in the book of Genesis. Like a woman giving birth, like a potter casting clay on a wheel, like a bird brooding eggs into hatching, like an artist making a beautiful work of art, God makes a world. These and other biblical images hint bravely at how we might imagine the relationship of creation. None, of course, can be taken literally. But each one keeps front and center the connection between Maker and what is made….

The Creator gives with great affection; creatures receive. Nothing in the great world would exist but for this constant relationship. Rocks, plants, animals, human beings, ecosystems, stars, galaxies, universes—without the ongoing creative power of God at every moment, all would collapse into … an unimaginable no-thing. Owing one’s existence to the ongoing creative love of the living God is the core meaning of being created. (Rohr, 2026)

We return to our trust in God as we implore the Spirit to inform our action to lead healing in our community with kindness and compassion.

References

Mark, CHAPTER 2 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved January 16, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/mark/2?1 

Meditation on 1 Samuel 8:4-7, 10-22. (n.d.). Word Among Us. Retrieved January 16, 2026, from https://wau.org/meditations/2026/01/16/1481009/ 

1 Samuel, CHAPTER 8 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved January 16, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/1samuel/8?4 

Psalms, PSALM 89 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved January 16, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/89 

Rohr, R. (2026, January 15). Inviting Good Questions — Center for Action and Contemplation. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved January 16, 2026, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/inviting-good-questions/ 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). We Never Saw Anything like This! Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved January 16, 2026, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/ 

Shea, J. (n.d.). Daily Reflection. Creighton Online Ministries: Home. Retrieved January 16, 2026, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/daily-reflections/daily-reflection-january-16-2026 

Desires and deception

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today warn us of the consequence of lack of discipline in attending to desires that lead us into living as slaves of evil in the world.

Caution with current deceptions

The reading from the Letter of James advises how to deal with trial and temptation.

 * [1:13–15] It is contrary to what we know of God for God to be the author of human temptation (Jas 1:13). In the commission of a sinful act, one is first beguiled by passion (Jas 1:14), then consent is given, which in turn causes the sinful act. When sin permeates the entire person, it incurs the ultimate penalty of death (Jas 1:15).1

Psalm 94 presents bold declarations of faith, denunciation of evildoers, and assurance to the just.

* [Psalm 94] A lament of an individual who is threatened by wicked people. The danger affects the whole community. Calling upon God as judge (Ps 94:1–2), the Psalm complains about oppression of the holy community by people within (Ps 94:3–7). Bold declarations of faith follow: denunciation of evildoers (Ps 94:8–11) and assurance to the just (Ps 94:12–15). The Psalm continues with further lament (Ps 94:16–19) and ends with strong confidence in God’s response (Ps 94:20–23).2 

Jesus warns of the yeast of the Pharisees and of Herod in the Gospel of Mark.

 * [8:15] The leaven of the Pharisees…of Herod: the corruptive action of leaven (1 Cor 5:6–8; Gal 5:9) was an apt symbol of the evil dispositions both of the Pharisees (Mk 8:11–13; 7:5–13) and of Herod (Mk 6:14–29) toward Jesus. The disciples of Jesus are warned against sharing such rebellious attitudes toward Jesus; cf. Mk 8:17, 21.3

Nancy Shirley offers what she calls a quite simplified and probably not with all the nuances required, understanding that at Passover everything was new and thus unleavened bread – no more “influence” from the past. Thus Jesus was telling them to not be influenced by Herod or the Pharisees in how to live their lives.

 How often do we need to be reminded to not let such influences enter our lives and be absorbed into our being and our behavior?  Sometimes, we need to act as unleavened bread and be renewed as fresh. We need to connect with the sacredness of all around us – to take off our shoes and walk on the Sacred Ground that Jesus has laid before us.  To let our Faith be greater than any of our fears!!4

Don Schwager quotes “Heed the truth of the Gospel,” by Hilary of Poitiers (315-367 AD).

 "The apostles are ordered to watch out for the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees. They are warned not to be involved in the disputes of the Jews. The works of the law are now to be viewed in the light of faith. They are forewarned that they, into whose time and age the truth had appeared incarnate, should judge nothing except which lies within the position of hope in likeness of the truth that is revealed. They are warned against allowing the doctrine of the Pharisees, who are unaware of Christ, to corrupt the effectiveness of the truth of the gospel." (excerpt from commentary ON MATTHEW 16.3)5

The Word Among Us Meditation on James 1:12-18 declares Scripture is an avenue for the Holy Spirit to speak to us. We can expect that as we read, something will jump out at us—something the Lord will use to guide us, comfort us, or help us through the day.

 So read the Scriptures every day and take time to reflect on what you read. Take, for example, another verse from today’s first reading: “All good giving and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights” (James 1:17). How does it make you feel? Perhaps it makes you want to thank God for your blessings. Or perhaps it makes you realize that despite whatever struggles you may be enduring, God is still in charge and he is good.
If Scripture gives you an inspiration, don’t ignore it. You never know, God could be trying to “birth” something new in your life!6

Friar Jude Winkler shares how we can develop discipline through our experience of temptation. We thank God for teaching us and providing the strength we need. Friar Jude comments that the cynicism of our time needs to be countered by being authentic disciples of Christ.

Cynthia Bourgeault shares how Three-Centered Awareness—heart, mind, and body—allows us to be fully present to ourselves, our lives, and God. We are inspired by the Spirit to seek truth, beauty, and goodness.

 The “work” is to discover our starting position and reach out to incorporate the other two so that they are fully—and in a balanced way—part of our perceptual center. Whatever center you may find yourself to be, don’t detain yourself on it, because it immediately sets out your job of discovering where the other two are hiding inside yourself and bringing them forward. It’s only when you have balanced the three centers—kinesthetic moving center, emotional center, and intellectual center—and integrated them that you become conscious. We’ve got to have all three as the basis of a good, strong tripod before we’re really awake.7

In our journey, awareness of the need for balance and alertness to the deceptions of our world will enhance our authenticity.

References

1	(n.d.). James, chapter 1 - United States Conference. Retrieved February 18, 2020, from http://www.usccb.org/bible/james/1
2	(n.d.). Psalms, chapter 94 - United States Conference. Retrieved February 18, 2020, from http://www.usccb.org/bible/psalms/94
3	(n.d.). Mark, chapter 8 - United States Conference. Retrieved February 18, 2020, from http://www.usccb.org/bible/mark/8
4	(n.d.). Daily Reflections - OnlineMinistries .... Retrieved February 18, 2020, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/daily.html
5	(n.d.). Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved February 18, 2020, from https://dailyscripture.servantsoftheword.org/
6	(n.d.). The Word Among Us. Retrieved February 18, 2020, from https://wau.org/meditations/2020/2/18/
7	(2020, February 16). Mind Body Heart — Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved February 18, 2020, from https://cac.org/themes/mind-body-heart/