Reading and meditation on the Word of God on Thursday of the second week in ordinary time, January 22nd, 2026

Delivered by Father Peter Tukan, SDB from Salesian Don Bosco Gerak in the Diocese of Labuan Bajo, Indonesia. 1 Samuel 18: 6-9; 19: 1-7; Rs psalm 56: 2-3.9-10a.10b-11.12-13; Mark 3: 7-12.WINNERS REMAIN HUMBLE Our meditation today is entitled: Winners Remain Humble. Thereis a nurse in a hospital does a great job—patients feel helped, patients'families are grateful, and even coworkers praise her. But she is not busyseeking praise or comparing herself to others. She still comes on time,continues to help patiently, remains polite to the cleaners, security guards,and anyone else. When someone envies or is unfair to her, she chooses to keepworking righteously and leave the results to God. This is a clear example of awinner remains humble. In the story of King David, we see a victory that does notfoster pride. David succeeded in defeating the enemy and bringing joy to thenation, but it was precisely at this moment that the threat arose from within:King Saul began to feel threatened and planned the assassination of the"new king" that God was preparing.  Humanly speaking, David had reason to retaliate, defendhimself by force, or show power. But David chose a deeper path: he remainedhumble, did not boast himself, and did not look down on others, even againstSaul who had hurt his heart. He still considered Saul to be God's anointed. David's humility was not a weakness, but rather a spiritualstrength born of the realization that his life was not his own. David knew thatsuccess in war was not just because of his strategy or prowess, but because Godwas in control. He did not use victory as a stage for self-exaltation, but asan opportunity to depend more on God. When a person believes that God is thesource of victory, then he will not feel the need to degrade others in order toappear higher or greater. This attitude becomes even more evident when we look at JesusChrist. In the Gospels, evil spirits recognized and acknowledged Jesus as theSon of God. But Jesus actually rebuked them not to spread the news. Why?Because the confession of Himself must be made at the right time and place,according to the Father's plan of salvation. Jesus did not pursue popularity,did not build influence by sensation, and did not seek recognition from thewrong voice. He showed that truth does not need to be imposed through exaggeration,but must be born of God's orderly and wise will. Jesus then went about working non-stop, fulfilling the dutythat come from the Father: proclaiming God's Kingdom, healing, liberating, andbuilding faith. He didn't stop just because he's known, praised, or recognized.He continued to walk in humility, because His focus was not on personalachievements, but on the will of the Father. Here's a valuable spirituallesson: working humbly means remain true to the mission, not maintaining animage, not pursuing excellence, not seeking human applause. Letus pray. In the name of the Father ... O Lord Jesus, may the teachings of lovefrom You always illuminate and lead us to be humble in our words and actions.Hail Mary, full of grace... In the name of the Father ...