Lord My Chef Daily Recipe for the Soul by Fr. Nicanor F. Lalog II
Friday in the Second Week of Ordinary Time, Year II, 23 January 2026
1 Samuel 24:3-21 ><))))*> + ><))))*> + ><))))*> Mark 3:13-19
In this time of too much
violence not only in media
but in real life especially those
we witness and experience
in ordinary streets near and far
from our places of comfort
to those larger than life violence
taking place in the high seas and
other countries, may your words today
remind us, our dear loving Father
to imitate David your servant of old.
David also stepped out of the cave, calling to Saul, “My lord the king!” When Saul looked back, David bowed to the ground in homage and asked Saul: “Why do you listen to those who say, ‘David is trying to harm you’? You see for yourself today that the Lord just now delivered you into my grasp in the cave. I had some thought of killing you, but I took pity on you instead. I decided, ‘I will not raise a hand against my lord, for he is the Lord’s anointed and a father to me.’ Look here at this end of your mantle which I hold. Since I cut off an end of your mantle and did not kill you, see and be convinced that I plan no harm and no rebellion. I have done you no wrong, though you are hunting me down to take my life” (1 Samuel 24:9-12).
Teach us, dear Father,
to show respect to your
anointed leaders among us,
from our family and home
into our leaders in school,
office and work, government
and the church; despite their
flaws and even abuses, help us
to transcend these and try to find
your favor in giving them to us;
may we pray for them to be more
reasonable, just and fair in the
exercise of their office and position.
Teach us, dear Father,
to look anew to them repeatedly
and try to find your image in them;
may Jesus be the main factor
we must consider in obeying them,
respecting them, and in recognizing
their power and authority;
may we not resort to violence
often preceded by betrayals
perpetrated by those supposed
to be closest to those in authority.
Amen.
lordmychef.com 