January 22, Monday of the Third Week in Ordinary Time
Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children
Daily readings: 2 Samuel 5:1–7; Mark 3:22–30
The time has come for David to succeed the throne. The entire population of Israel recognizes him as their king. He makes a covenant with the elders of Israel to anoint him. This is the third time David is anointed as king. As a result, Yahweh had referred to the young man tending Jesse's sheep in Bethlehem as "the shepherd of my people Israel" (2 Sam 5:2). David has the authorization of God. It is the will of God that David should become king.
We do notice that God works out his hidden purposes through the awkward and raw events of history. In spite of all the opposition, God is with David and makes him greater and greater. God’s spirit has been working in him. This is what happens in the lives of those who believe in God and have surrendered their lives to Him. David’s life is a good example for the life of every baptized person.
In the Gospel reading, Jesus stands accused of two things: (i) He is possessed by the prince of the demons, Beelzebul and (ii) He drives away demons assisted by their ruler. The purpose of their accusation is to discredit Jesus. The arrival of the scribes all the way from Jerusalem adds to the seriousness of the situation. The word of God in Lev 19:31 says, “Do not turn to mediums or wizards; do not seek them out, to be defiled by them: I am the LORD your God”. Further, we read in Lev 20:27, “A man or a woman who is a medium or a wizard shall be put to death; they shall be stoned to death; their blood is upon them”.
They accuse Jesus of having a familiar spirit, which, according to the Levitical law, warrants his execution. Jesus uses parables to counter their arguments. Satan does not rebel against itself. Their arguments do not hold good. Their evil intent is clear!
Holy Mother Church honours St. Vincent Deacon and Martyr, born in Osca, Spain. He had a great interest in the Scriptures and loved preaching the Gospel. After much starvation and torture, he became one of the victims of Emperor Decian’s persecution.
Call to Action for Catholic Living: David was able to climb greater heights because God was with him. If you are not able to progress in your spiritual life, it is a sign that you are away from God. God cannot be away from us because He never abandons us!
Radio Veritas Asia (RVA), a media platform of the Catholic Church, aims to share Christ. RVA started in 1969 as a continental Catholic radio station to serve Asian countries in their respective local language, thus earning the tag “the Voice of Asian Christianity.” Responding to the emerging context, RVA embraced media platforms to connect with the global Asian audience via its 21 language websites and various social media platforms.
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