2nd book of Samuel 1,1-4.11-12.19.23-27.
After the death of Saul, David returned from his defeat of the Amalekites and spent two days in Ziklag.
On the third day a man came from Saul's camp, with his clothes torn and dirt on his head. Going to David, he fell to the ground in homage. David asked him, "Where do you come from?" He replied, "I have escaped from the Israelite camp." "Tell me what happened," David bade him. He answered that the soldiers had fled the battle and that many of them had fallen and were dead, among them Saul and his son Jonathan. David seized his garments and rent them, and all the men who were with him did likewise. They mourned and wept and fasted until evening for Saul and his son Jonathan, and for the soldiers of the LORD of the clans of Israel, because they had fallen by the sword. "Alas! the glory of Israel, Saul, slain upon your heights; how can the warriors have fallen! Saul and Jonathan, beloved and cherished, separated neither in life nor in death, swifter than eagles, stronger than lions! Women of Israel, weep over Saul, who clothed you in scarlet and in finery, who decked your attire with ornaments of gold. "How can the warriors have fallen-- in the thick of the battle, slain upon your heights! "I grieve for you, Jonathan my brother! most dear have you been to me; More precious have I held love for you than love for women. "How can the warriors have fallen, the weapons of war have perished!"
Psalms 80(79),2-3.5-7.
Shepherd of Israel, listen, guide of the flock of Joseph! From your throne upon the cherubim reveal yourself
to Ephraim, Benjamin, and Manasseh. Stir up your power, come to save us.
LORD of hosts, how long will you burn with anger while your people pray?
You have fed them the bread of tears, made them drink tears in abundance.
You have left us to be fought over by our neighbors; our enemies deride us.
Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint Mark 3,20-21.
He came home. Again (the) crowd gathered, making it impossible for them even to eat. When his relatives heard of this they set out to seize him, for they said, "He is out of his mind."
WHAT DIFFERENCE DOES IT MAKE?
"With the strength which comes from God bear your share of the hardship which the gospel entails." –2 Timothy 1:8
Many of you have laid down your lives in the service of God's people. Priests, religious sisters, and religious brothers have given up money, careers, independence, marriage, and sexual relations in answer to God's call. Married couples have made supreme sacrifices for spouses and children. Those single for the Lord have fought the devil's temptations and our society's pressures, and have been pure as Jesus is pure (1 Jn 3:3).
Yet after years of self-sacrificing commitments, you look at the Church, your family, and your life and wonder if it was worth it (Is 49:4). Loud and clear, God's word to you is: "It is worth it." Growth in God's kingdom is often not immediately noticeable (Mk 4:27). Even the growth we do see begins small, like a mustard seed (Mk 4:31). Nonetheless, God is working.
"For this reason, I remind you to stir into flame the gift of God bestowed when my hands were laid on you" (2 Tm 1:6). "Stay with this task whether convenient or inconvenient – correcting, reproving, appealing – constantly teaching and never losing patience" (2 Tm 4:2). "Do not, then, surrender your confidence; it will have great reward. You need patience to do God's will and receive what He has promised" (Heb 10:35-36).
Prayer: Father, replace my regrets with joyful hopes.
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