January 23, 2026 // Optional Memorial of Saint Marianne Cope, Virgin [in USA] //
Optional Memorial of Saint Vincent, Deacon and Martyr [in USA]
Read the Word // Open your Bible to today’s First Reading: 1 Samuel 24:3-21
Reflect on the Word //
A car veers in front of me, causing me to slam on my brakes, narrowly missing a collision that threatened disaster. I bite my tongue, holding in the words I want to spew, and stay my hand from blasting the horn. Does that guy not understand physics?
Not even a mile down the road, my van pulls up alongside the other driver as our two lanes merge due to a construction project. Rather than speed up and maneuver into a spot in front of him, I pause, ask Jesus for strength in this moment, and let the other driver go first. Small steps of mercy. Often I find myself in the small moments of life where I am tempted to get back at someone who has hurt me or my family.
In today’s First Reading, David has an opportunity to get back at King Saul in a big way. Saul has been hunting David with an army of three thousand men. But then Saul chooses the very cave to relieve himself in which David so happens to be hiding. David very well could have murdered the king right then, but instead he just cuts off a corner of Saul’s cloak, and even that he later regrets.
While I don’t have anyone seeking to kill me, I do encounter times I can insert a biting word into a conversation or a revengeful thought rears up. David’s words to Saul remind me that “The LORD will judge between me and you, and the LORD will exact justice from you in my case” (1 Samuel 24:16). The desire for payback can be strong, but I ask the Lord to teach me surrender, to allow Him to be the judge and not me. He gives me the desire for mercy and true justice.
True justice always comes from God. While it may feel satisfying in the moment, in retrospect, revenge mars our soul. Let us walk in the freedom of forgiveness, releasing judgment and offering it back to the Lord for Him to deal with.
Relate to the Lord // What small steps of mercy can you take today, with others or with yourself?
Sarah Ortiz is a Catholic convert, wife, and mother to five boys while living in a 200-year-old farmhouse in Western New York. When not folding laundry, she can be found reading, experimenting in the kitchen, keeping the family library, or snagging amazing antique furniture deals. She was a contributing author to Set a Fire. Find out more about her here.
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