2nd Week in Ordinary Time (II) : Thursday 22nd January 2026

Jealousy can be a painful thing. It perceives someone as a threat or competitor in a relationship. Saul is jealous of David’s success. Saul feels insecure because David has won the praise of the crowd.

Instead of competing for praise, however, Jesus invites us to look to Him for affirmation and direction in life. Focusing on others is tiring. Focusing on Jesus’ voice leads to greater freedom and deeper love. Jesus Himself lived each day bolstered by such love from the Father.

In the Gospel of Mark, why does Jesus forbid the demons from telling people He is the Son of God? It relates to an idea called “the Messianic secret.” Some Israelites expected the Messiah to defeat Israel’s political enemies, such as the Romans. Jesus is the Messiah. However, He has a mission that goes beyond politics — to bring victory for Israel and all humanity — a victory over death.

The secret is that Jesus will succeed, not by political means but rather, through sacrifice and suffering. If the people made Jesus into an earthly king, He would be enthroned in a comfortable palace and not be allowed to live out His true mission — dying on the cross to give us eternal life. The Lord’s ways are not our ways. We need to surrender ourselves to God and to focus on Him.

PRAYER:  Jesus, remove any insecurity and jealousy from my heart. Help me to focus on You.