Reading and meditation on the Word of God on Monday of the second week in ordinary time, January 19th, 2026

Delivered by Father Peter Tukan, SDB from Salesian Don Bosco Gerak in the Diocese of Labuan Bajo, Indonesia. 1 Samuel 15: 16-23; Rs psalm 50: 8-9.16bc-17.21.23; Mark 2: 18-22.LIVING IN THE LIGHT OF GOD'S WORD, NOT BY GIVING OFFERINGS Our meditation today is entitled: Living in the Lightof God's Word, Not by Giving Offerings. The story of the king Saul, as narratedin the first book of Samuel chapter 15, describes how God rebuked King Saulthrough the prophet Samuel. Saul was devoted to God by offering burnt offeringsand sacrifices, but he ignored God's command. This is where the Word of God isstrongly affirmed: what is primarily is not an outward offering, but anobedience born of a heart that listens and believes. Sacrifice withoutobedience loses its meaning, because God wants relationships, not just rituals. When God speaks and commands, man's basic responseshould be to hear, believe, and carry them out. Hearing means opening theheart, not just the ears. To believe means to believe that God's Word bringslife, not a burden. To carry out means to allow the Word to shape concretechoices, attitudes, and actions. Obedience is the menifestation of one’s faith.  This relationship is described not as a distant andscary relationship, but a close relationship like parents and children. The Godwho speaks is the God who cares, who guides, and who strengthens. His presenceis not abstract, but it can be experienced in the course of daily life. Whenman lives in the light of His Word, he does not walk alone, but is sustained bythe power and faithful love of God. The experience of God's presence should encouragegratitude and celebration of faith. When God is truly felt, the life of faithdoes not fall into dry routines or forced discipline. Fasting and otherspiritual practices should not be mere obligations, but expressions of love andlonging for God. If spiritual practice loses its spirit of love, man willbecome far from the living God. The Gospel affirms that as long as the bridegroom isstill with us, there is no need to fast. The bridegroom symbolizes the presenceof God who saves and brings joy. When God is present and experienced inreality, what is appropriate is not mourning, but joy and gratitude. Fastingbecomes relevant when the bridegroom "do not exist", that is, whenhumans experience emptiness, distance, and longing for God. It is at thatmoment that fasting becomes a means of repentance and a search for Hispresence. Thus, living in the light of God's Word means puttingobedience above formality, relationship over ritual, and love over emptyhabits. True offerings are hearts that are willing to be shaped by God's Word.It is in obedience that man experiences God who is near, strengthens, andalways pours out His blessings, love, and mercy in daily life. Let us pray. In the name of the Father ... O Almighty God, increaseour faith in You and grant that our love of you grows healthy, so that we mayalways experience Your life-giving presence. Hail Mary, full of grace... In thename of the Father ...