First Reading

Reading from the second book of Samuel

2 Samuel 1, 1-4. 11-12. 17. 19. 23-27

In those days, after defeating the Amalekites, David went to Ziklag and stayed there two days. On the third day a man came from Saul’s camp, with torn clothes and dust on his head. He arrived where David was and prostrated himself in reverence. David asked him: “Where do you come from?” He replied: “I come fleeing from the camp of Israel.” David asked him: “What happened? Tell me.” He replied: “The people were defeated in battle and fled. Many fell, and among the dead are Saul and Jonathan.”

Then David tore his garments, and so did those who were with him. They burst into lamentations and weeping, and fasted until evening for Saul and Jonathan, for the people of the Lord and for the house of Israel, because they had fallen by the sword. Then David sang this lament for Saul and his son Jonathan:

“Your heroes, Israel, have been slain on your mountains.
Why did the valiant ones fall?
Saul and Jonathan, beloved and admired,
inseparable in life and united in death,
swifter than eagles
and stronger than lions.

Daughters of Israel, weep for Saul,
who clothed you in scarlet and fine linen
and adorned you with jewels and gold.

Why did the valiant ones fall in the midst of battle?
Jonathan lies dead on your mountains.
For you, Jonathan, my brother, I am full of sorrow.
I loved you with all my soul,
and your friendship was more precious to me
than the love of women.
Why did the valiant ones fall
and the flower of the warriors perish?”

Gospel

Reading from the holy Gospel according to Saint Mark 

Mark 3, 20-21

At that time, Jesus entered a house with his disciples, and so many people came that they could not even eat. When his relatives heard of this, they set out to seize him, for they said, “He is out of his mind.”