Catholic Mass Readings and Reflection February 05, 2026

05th February 2026 (Thursday)

Psalter: Week 4

Readings of the Day

First Reading: 1 Kings 2:1-4, 10-12

When David’s time to die drew near, he commanded Solomon his son, saying, “I am about to go the way of all the earth. Be strong, and show yourself a man, and keep the charge of the Lord your God, walking in his ways and keeping his statutes, his commandments, his rules, and his testimonies, as it is written in the Law of Moses, that you may prosper in all that you do and wherever you turn, that the Lord may establish his word that he spoke concerning me, saying, ‘If your sons pay close attention to their way, to walk before me in faithfulness with all their heart and with all their soul, you shall not lack a man on the throne of Israel.’” Then David slept with his fathers and was buried in the city of David. And the time that David reigned over Israel was forty years. He reigned for seven years in Hebron and for thirty-three years in Jerusalem. So Solomon sat on the throne of David his father, and his kingdom was firmly established.

1 Chronicles 29:10b, 11ab, 11d-12a, 12bcd (R. 12b)

R/. O Lord, you rule over all.

Gospel Acclamation

V/. Alleluia

R/. Alleluia

V/. The kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.

R/. Alleluia

Gospel: Mark 6:7-13

At that time: Jesus called the twelve, and began to send them out two by two, and gave them authority over the unclean spirits. He charged them to take nothing for their journey except a staff—no bread, no bag, no money in their belts—but to wear sandals and not put on two tunics. And he said to them, “Whenever you enter a house, stay there until you depart from there. And if any place will not receive you and they will not listen to you, when you leave, shake off the dust that is on your feet as a testimony against them.” So they went out and proclaimed that people should repent. And they cast out many demons and anointed with oil many who were sick and healed them.

Daily Gospel Reflection

Thursday – Fourth Week in Ordinary Time

Main Point: The effectiveness of the disciple does not depend on the burden he carries, but on the empowerment from the Master.

1. Today we are presented with two farewells and two commissions. In the first reading, King David is about to die, and he gives his last “charge” to his son Solomon. In the gospel, Jesus sends out his disciples on a mission and gives them his “charge.” Both speak about the secret of success and strength.

2. David tells Solomon, “Be strong, and show yourself a man.” But what does it mean to be a “man” in the eyes of the Lord? It is not about physical muscle or military might. It is about spiritual backbone. David clarifies it immediately: “Keep the charge of the Lord your God, walking in his ways.”

3. This is a powerful lesson for us. True “manhood” or “maturity” is not in dominance, but in obedience. A person who cannot obey God cannot rule men. If Solomon wants to establish his kingdom, he must first establish God’s reign in his heart. The throne is secured only when the altar is respected.

4. The first instruction Jesus gives to the twelve is to go in community. Jesus sends them out two by two. Mission to not become a “lone ranger” does not mean that the journey must be made “solo” either. Each of us needs brothers or sisters to lean on, to encourage, to correct, to witness, to embolden, and to walk with. Yes, the journey is “personally” ours, but is never to be “privately” held.

5. The next instruction may be the most difficult to comprehend, “Take nothing for the journey.” No bread, no bag, not even tunics or wallets”. Jesus does not encourage “no” planning. He wants the disciples to “no plan” and fully “depend” on “no things” to ensure that the journey will be fruitful. Certainly, God will provide.

6. “Over-equipped” and “under-powered” is the plight of modern man. The best tools, best insurances, best vehicles, and even the best funds. The “clean vehicles”. The “best gadgets”. The “baggage” that causes them to “move” “over-equipped” and “under-powered”.

7. A staff is the only thing Jesus allows them. The staff is for support and the sandals signal that the disciples have a journey to take. Ready to move and walk. We do not have the option to be “settlers” who build nests of comfort. We must march as “pilgrims” towards the Kingdom.

8. Many of us try to secure our lives with a net worth. We think that these figures will save us, but Jesus teaches that our true insurance is the hospitality of God. When we have little to no “stuff” to worry about, we can be full of “spirit.” When our hands are not clutching possessions, they are free to heal and bless others.

9. Dust is no more than an annoyance. We often carry the “dust” of insults, failures, and rejections with us and let the negativity of others offend us. Jesus says “Don’t pack the rejection in your bag. Shake it off. Move on.”

10. The reason David’s kingdom was established is that he relied on God’s laws. The reason the disciples succeeded on their journey is that they relied on Jesus’ command.

11. Today, let’s take a look at our spiritual luggage. Are we carrying fear, greed, and ego? It is time to unpack. The less we carry, the faster we can run for God.

My Practice: God, we ask for the strength to bear our vulnerabilities and let the fallacies of the world fall to the side, so that we may walk with the simple strength of your grace.