Daily Catholic Lectio
Tue, 23 January 2024
Tuesday of the Third Week in Ordinary Time
2 Samuel 6:12-15, 17-19. Mark 3:31-35
Spiritual relationship
David, who becomes the king of Israel at the age of thirty, comes from Hebron to Jerusalem. Today’s first reading talks about the first thing he did after becoming the king of Israel.
What did David do first?
He didn’t set up his cabinet ministers, nor did he buy weapons and military equipment, nor did he build his house. But he brings the ark of the Lord to Jerusalem. David wanted to keep his Lord close to him. This is why he was most loved by the Lord, despite his shortcomings.
When the ark was brought to the town, David began to dance with his full strength. The entire town joined in the festive celebration. David, like a priest, offered sacrifices and blessed the people. He gave them bread, meat, and fruit.
What does this event tell us?
(a) David knew that the priority of his life was to be in the presence of the Lord. David put the first things first.
(b) David was convinced that the relationship with God is the foundation for the relationship with people.
(c) David, through his action, instructs the people to prioritise God.
In the gospel reading, Jesus’ mother and brothers come in search of him. When the message was communicated to him, Jesus responded, ‘Here are my mother and my brothers. For whoever does the will of God is my brother, sister, and mother.’
By saying so, Jesus not only exalts the spiritual relationship of Mary but also invites everyone to be close to him through such a spiritual relationship.
The way that Jesus offers a spiritual relationship is plain and simple: ‘to do the will of God.’ God wants our hearts to be united with him. When we bend our wills to his, he begins to rule over us.
David, in fact, did this. He wanted God to rule his people. He was God’s vicar.
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Lumen Gentium, reflecting on Blessed Virgin Mary, says, “Seeking after the glory of Christ, the Church becomes more like her exalted Type, and continually progresses in faith, hope, and charity, seeking and doing the will of God in all things” (n. 65, Jubilee A. D. 2025, bite 15).
Fr. Yesu Karunanidhi
Archdiocese of Madurai
Missionary of Mercy
Yesu Karunanidhi 
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