How should Christians respond to authority figures who fail in their responsibility or abuse their power? The story of David and King Saul teaches us that respect for authority does not mean endorsing wrongdoing. David chose patience, humility, and deep trust in God’s timing, and believed that only God has the authority to remove a leader. Even when he had the opportunity to seize power and harm Saul, David was convicted that goodness must never be achieved through violence or revenge.

The Gospel reminds us that even Jesus walked patiently with imperfect leaders, including Judas, who could not accept God’s way of working. True leadership and discipleship require walking closely with God and with those we serve, trusting that God remains in control even when human authority fails.

Reflection Question: Where in your life are you being invited to trust God’s timing rather than taking control yourself?

The world celebrates ambition, yet ambition often breeds jealousy, fear, and insecurity, as seen in King Saul’s response to David’s success. Christian life calls us instead to vocation, a life oriented toward God and the service of others. When we trust God’s plan and embrace where He has placed us, we are freed from comparison, envy, and the need for recognition. Jonathan shows us the peace of a heart secure in God’s will, David reminds us to examine our motives, and Jesus models service rooted in love rather than fame or power. True vocation transforms our hearts, allowing us to serve with joy, humility, and courage, celebrating the success of others while remaining faithful to God’s calling in our own lives.

Reflection Question: Where in my life might ambition be disguising itself as service and what would change if I truly trusted that God has placed me exactly where I am meant to be?

Where is our focus in life? What we choose to focus on will shape how we respond, how we endure, and even how we hope.

David stood before Goliath not by relying on weapons or strength, but by fixing his eyes on God who had never failed him. On this memorial of St Agnes, we see the same faith at work. Though young and vulnerable, she found courage by focusing her life entirely on the Lord.

Jesus shows us true focus, not on rules for their own sake, but on mercy, compassion, and the urgent need to do good. His attention is fixed on the one who is suffering, reminding us that love cannot wait.

When we focus on God rather than our fears, inadequacies, or self-interest, we gain the freedom and courage to act with faith, compassion, and hope, even in the midst of struggle.

Reflection Question: When I am faced with my own “giants” or encounter suffering around me, where is my focus? How is the Lord inviting me to shift my gaze today?

In today’s Gospel, Jesus challenges a rigid understanding of the Sabbath law. While the law was given to guide God’s people, Jesus reminds us that it must always serve life, love, and the glory of God. The Sabbath was made for humanity, not humanity for the Sabbath. True obedience is not about legal perfection, but about living in the spirit of love, mercy, and grace. When everything we do—work, service, ministry, or rest—is offered for God’s glory and the good of others, the law is not broken but fulfilled.

Reflection Question: In my daily life, do I focus more on simply following rules, or on living the spirit of love and grace that Jesus calls me to?

When Israel was defeated in battle, instead of discerning God’s will, they assume that bringing the Ark of the Covenant will guarantee victory. But the real problem was not the absence of the Ark, it was their refusal to live the covenant.

When the Ark was captured, the message was clear: God cannot be manipulated. What He desires is a conversion of heart.

Failures, suffering, and setbacks are not signs that God has abandoned us or His way of revenge on us. Often, they are invitations for us to examine our lives, purify our intentions, humble ourselves and deepen our trust in Him.

True healing begins not when we try to control God, but when we surrender to Him.

Reflection Question: Where have I been relying on religious habits, rituals, or explanations to avoid honestly facing what God is calling me to change?

Jesus’ life and ministry are completely one. From morning to evening, he serves tirelessly: not only the crowds, but also his close collaborators and their families. Jesus’ ministry is not a job with fixed hours; it is his life, flowing from his deep love for the Father and for the people. His strength comes from prayer. By rising early to pray, Jesus remains clear, focused, and free from self-interest.

In contrast, Eli whose years in ministry led to complacency and spiritual blindness. He could no longer recognise God’s voice or respond with urgency. What was once a calling, had become a routine.

When love fades into habit, when service becomes a burden, when we cling to roles instead of responding to God’s call, ministry quietly turns into just another job. Jesus shows us the way: a life poured out, sustained by prayer, always free to go where the Father sends.

Today we are invited to examine our own service: Is it still rooted in prayer and love, or has it become mere routine? Like Samuel, may we learn to say, “Here I am, Lord,” and serve with renewed zeal and faithfulness.

Reflection Question: Is my service still flowing from prayer and love, or has it become routine, obligation, or mere work?

True ministry draws its power from prayer and holiness, not from position or activity.

Eli held religious authority but lacked spiritual depth. Over time, he became blind to what God was doing and failed those entrusted to his care. Hannah, though insignificant in society, prayed with humility and trust. When God gave her a child, she did not cling to him but offered him back to the Lord for the service of others. Her prayer was answered because it was not centred on herself.

In the Gospel, Jesus reveals the true source of authority: a life rooted in intimacy with the Father. Leadership in the Church and in life, cannot be reduced to efficiency, activity or status. Without prayer, integrity, and self-gift, leadership becomes empty.

Only lives offered beyond ourselves, like Hannah and Jesus, can truly bear fruit for the community.

Reflection Question: How is my relationship with God shaping the way I serve, lead, and give myself to others in this season of my life?

After the Feast of the Epiphany, the Church continues to reflect on the mystery of the Incarnation. St John reminds us that to deny Jesus’ coming in the flesh is to misunderstand salvation itself. If Jesus were not truly human, He could not truly save us. As the Letter to the Hebrews teaches, Jesus lived fully as one of us, sharing our struggles and suffering, so that He could lead us to God.

Today, while Jesus’ humanity is easily accepted, His divinity is often softened or avoided. Out of fear of appearing exclusive, Jesus is reduced to a good teacher or one figure among many. In doing so, we weaken our faith and obscure the Gospel.

Reflection Question: How does believing that He is both truly God and truly human change the way I trust Him, follow Him, and live the Gospel today?