Homily: January 23, 2026, Friday of the second week in Ordinary Time (Forgiveness)

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 “Saul then said to David: ‘You are in the right rather than I; you have treated me generously, while I have done you harm.’”

I may not remember everything from my theology classes, but one thing from the study of Christology that fascinated me and stayed with me, was the person of David. Not just as an impressive king in the Old Testament but as a prominent faithful servant who prefigured Jesus. 

The similarities are striking.

David and Jesus were both born in Bethlehem.

They were both from the same tribe and lineage.

David was a shepherd; Jesus is the Good Shepherd.

David wept in the Garden of Olives after being betrayed by his own son, Absalom.

Jesus wept in the Garden of Gethsemane after being betrayed by Judas.

David was a king anointed by God; Jesus is the King of kings sent by God.

But more than all these parallels, what touches me most is this: both David and Jesus loved and forgave their enemies.

David was impressive but far from perfect. When sin overtook him, he committed terrible evils. Yet his heart remained capable of compassion. In today’s first reading, David had the perfect opportunity to kill Saul, the very man who was hunting him and trying to take his life. Instead of taking revenge, David chose mercy. He even risked his own life by not attacking Saul when he could, but by approaching Saul to reconcile.

Forgiveness does not come naturally, even with the best intention, it is still difficult. Reconciliation is never easy. And yet, this is the path God places before us. This is an act, a decision that leads to true liberation.

In today’s world, many of us carry deep resentment and bitterness. Sometimes we knowingly or unknowingly bear hatred. People whom we dislike or disagree with, even without ever having met them or known them personally, may enter our invisible internal list as enemies. Any mention of these people or their ideologies will trigger anger and many negative sentiments. Ever felt that way?

Here, we see David forgiving Saul, who was obviously his enemy, out to kill him. And Jesus forgave those who mocked, tortured, and actually killed Him. With His forgiveness, He reconciled all of humanity to the Father on the cross. His forgiveness freed all of us.

Forgiveness is salvation.

If there is someone whom we have bound to our anger and hatred, let us at this moment ask for the grace to be freed from this bondage. Lord, have mercy. 

Amen 


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  1. Madeleine23 January 2026 at 14:31

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