In The Queen’s Gambit, Benny is a high-ranked chess player who meets the child prodigy Beth at the US Open and beats her. Later, they meet again, and Beth beats Benny. Though Beth surpassed Benny’s success, he sees her talent and mentors her to beat a world chess champion. Benny’s action after losing was far from how Saul faced his “loss” to David.

Instead of celebrating the young man’s contribution to their victory, Saul resented the praises David received. He looked at David as competition and a threat to his kingship. Saul forgot David’s loyalty and saw him as a rival worth killing.

This happens in the workplace, in politics, and even in families. Someone new, better, or more skillful comes along, and we are plagued with insecurity, jealousy, and fear that we will lose our place. But God’s blessings never run short; there is more than enough for all. Let’s celebrate each other’s wins for everyone has a place in the sun. No need to be envious.

Osy Erica-Padilla (osy.erica@gmail.com) 

reflect

“Rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, insincerity, envy, and all slander.” (1 Peter 2:1)

Father, help me trust in Your plans. When I am overcome by fear and envy, remind me that You are for me and Your love is fair. Amen.

Saint Vincent, deacon and martyr, pray for us.

The people celebrate the achievements of David as much greater than those of Saul. This does not sit well with Saul. Saul’s son, Jonathan, intercedes for David before his father and manages to “keep the peace” for the time being. How do we react when others excel in our midst? May we have the grace and honor to celebrate the achievements of others, whether lesser or greater than our own. After all is said and done, the glory belongs to God anyway.

⁶ When David and Saul approach (on David’s return after slaying the Philistine), women came out from each of the cities of Israel to meet King Saul, singing and dancing, with tambourines, joyful songs, and sistrums. ⁷ The women played and sang: “Saul has slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands.” ⁸ Saul was very angry and resentful of the song, for he thought: “They give David ten thousands, but only thousands to me. All that remains for him is the kingship.” ⁹ And from that day on, Saul was jealous of David. ^19:1 Saul discussed his intention of killing David with his son Jonathan and with all his servants. But Saul’s son Jonathan, who was very fond of David, ² told him: “My father Saul is trying to kill you. Therefore, please be on your guard tomorrow morning; get out of sight and remain in hiding. ³ I, however, will go out and stand beside my father in the countryside where you are, and will speak to him about you. If I learn anything, I will let you know.” ⁴ Jonathan then spoke well of David to his father Saul, saying to him: “Let not your majesty sin against his servant David, for he has committed no offense against you, but has helped you very much by his deeds. ⁵ When he took his life in his hands and slew the Philistine, and the Lord brought about a great victory for all Israel through him, you were glad to see it. Why, then, should you become guilty of shedding innocent blood by killing David without cause?” ⁶ Saul heeded Jonathan’s plea and swore, “As the Lord lives, he shall not be killed.” ⁷ So Jonathan summoned David and repeated the whole conversation to him. Jonathan then brought David to Saul, and David served him as before.

Responsorial Psalm | Psalm 56:2-3, 9-10, 10-11, 12-13

R: In God I trust; I shall not fear.

² Have mercy on me, O God, for men trample upon me; all the day they press their attack against me. ³ My adversaries trample upon me all the day; yes, many fight against me. (R) ⁹ My wanderings you have counted; my tears are stored in your flask; are they not recorded in your book? ¹⁰ Then do my enemies turn back, when I call upon you. (R) Now I know that God is with me. ¹¹ In God, in whose promise I glory, in God I trust without fear; what can flesh do against me? (R) ¹² I am bound, O God, by vows to you; your thank offerings I will fulfill. ¹³ For you have rescued me from death, my feet, too, from stumbling; that I may walk before God in the light of the living. (R) 

Gospel | Mark 3:7-12

What Jesus does in the Gospels is an example for us. We should see miracles in our parishes and religious gatherings because God is generous and does not want us to suffer or be deprived of His healing and redeeming grace. Do we have the faith and trust to call upon God's healing power in the name of Jesus? That is what He wants us to do.

Gospel Acclamation

Our Savior Jesus Christ has destroyed death and brought life to light through the Gospel.

⁷ Jesus withdrew toward the sea with his disciples. A large number of people followed from Galilee and from Judea. ⁸ Hearing what he was doing, a large number of people came to him also from Jerusalem, from Idumea, from beyond the Jordan, and from the neighborhood of Tyre and Sidon. ⁹ He told his disciples to have a boat ready for him because of the crowd, so that they would not crush him. ¹⁰ He had cured many and, as a result, those who had diseases were pressing upon him to touch him. ¹¹ And whenever unclean spirits saw him they would fall down before him and shout, “You are the Son of God.” ¹² He warned them sternly not to make him known.

Reflect

What or who do you pray for in the name of Jesus? Trust that He will answer your prayer.

Read the Bible in one year! Read LUKE 21 - 24 today.

As Jesus grew more popular for His healing and casting out of evil spirits, crowds kept pressing in on Him. To avoid being overwhelmed, He got into a boat—not to run away, but to serve better and be more visible to His disciples and the people. The boat in this Gospel symbolizes the Church, the vehicle for our journey toward eternal life and for sharing the Good News.

The Church, made up of priests and laypeople like you and me, continues Christ’s mission. But sometimes we’re tempted to use the Church for our own purposes, putting ourselves at the center and leaving Jesus behind. The Gospel today reminds us that Jesus asked His disciples to prepare the boat for Him. The Church is His vessel, meant to carry Him to people who seek Him. We must never use Jesus to promote ourselves or our own ideas. We are only instruments in His mission. Even in worship, we offer not our own selves but Christ’s name. The Church’s boat belongs to the Lord, to make Him known.

So, how do we prepare the boat for Jesus? Do we keep the Church clean and orderly so people can experience peace when they come to pray? Do we attend Mass with reverence, in a state of grace, ready to listen? If you help prepare for Mass, do you do so with care and respect? If you lead the Mass, do you prepare well and invite others to pray sincerely? Remember, we are the boat carrying Jesus to the world.

In boarding the boat, Jesus shows that His mission is not about popularity but about doing God’s will. He wasn’t led by people’s praise but by faithfulness. As Christians, our goal is to live well—not to please the world, but to please God. 

The Church must stand apart from worldly values to inspire faithfulness to God. 

Fr. Franz Dizon

reflection question

How will you prepare your boat for Jesus today?

Lord, in every part of my life, may You alone be my guide and my goal. Help me to seek You above all else and to trust that in following You, I am truly home. Amen.

Today, I pray for: ______________________________________