First Reading
Reading from the first book of Samuel
1 Samuel 24, 3-21
In those days, Saul took with him three thousand valiant men from all Israel and set out in search of David and his men, toward the rocks called «the Wild Goats,» and he came to a place where there was a sheepfold by the road. There was a cave there, and Saul entered it to relieve himself.
David and his men were sitting at the back of the cave. They said to him: «This is the day of which the Lord spoke to you, when he made this promise: ‘I will put your enemy into your hands, so that you may do with him as you please’ «.
David got up quietly and cut off the corner of Saul’s cloak. But David’s conscience bothered him for having cut Saul’s cloak, and he said to his men: «God forbid that I should raise my hand against the king, for he is the Lord’s anointed.» With these words David restrained his men and did not allow them to attack Saul.
Saul came out of the cave and went on his way. David came out after him and called out to him: «My king and my lord.» And when Saul looked back, David bowed low to the ground in homage and said: «Why do you listen to people who say: ‘David is trying to harm you’? See that today the Lord put you in my power in the cave, and I could have killed you, but I spared your life, for I said: ‘I will not raise my hand against the king, because he is the Lord’s anointed.’ Look at the corner of your cloak in my hand. I cut it off and did not kill you. Recognize, therefore, that there is no treachery or sin in me against you. You, on the other hand, are looking for a chance to take my life. May the Lord be our judge, and may he do justice between us. I will not raise my hand against you, because, as the old proverb says: ‘The wicked do wicked things.’ Against whom have you come out to make war, O king of Israel? Whom are you pursuing? A dead dog, a flea. May the Lord be the judge and decide between us. May he examine my cause and deliver me from your hand».
When David finished speaking, Saul answered: «Is that your voice, David, my son?» Saul began to weep and, raising his voice, said: «You are more righteous than I, for you repay me only good, whereas I seek your harm. Today you have shown great kindness toward me, for the Lord put me in your power, and you did not take my life. What man, when he finds his enemy, lets him go away in peace? May the Lord reward you for what you have done to me today. Now I am certain that you will become king and that the kingdom of Israel will be established in your hands».
Gospel
Reading from the holy Gospel according to Saint Mark
Mark 3, 13-19
At that time, Jesus went up the mountain and summoned those whom he wanted, and they came to him. He appointed twelve to be with him, to send them out to preach and to have authority to drive out demons.
He appointed the Twelve: Simon, whom he named Peter; then James and John, sons of Zebedee, whom he named Boanerges, that is, «sons of thunder»; Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus, Thaddeus, Simon the Cananean, and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him.