First Reading I Samuel 24:3-21 Gospel Mark 3:13-19

The first reading today is a long story of the complicated relationship between Saul and David. Apparently Saul was jealous to the point of paranoia against David. David, for his part, is depicted as innocent, respectful of the king, and striving always to make peace with Saul. Whatever the complete story, the underlying thread in these stories is that the Lord has chosen David and rejected Saul.
The gospel is Mark’s version of the call of the first disciples to become apostles. In the lists of apostles, Peter is always listed first. He is the only apostle with his name changed by the Lord. Putting together all the information that we have in the New Testament, Peter is the center of authority in the New Testament Church. He is the final court of appeal.

Also St. Fabian (+250 A.D.)
Fabian became pope in 236 A.D. Ancient authorities attribute to him the division of Rome into seven deaconries. He was martyred in the persecution of Decius, and his body buried in the catacomb of St. Callistus. Later his body was moved to the Basilica of St. Sebastian. The original slab which covered his tomb may be seen today.

Also St. Sebastian (+258 A.D.)
Nothing authentic is known of this saint, even though St. Ambrose wrote an account of his life in the Fifth Century. According to Ambrose, Sebastian was a soldier who refused to take part in looting or in immorality. He was reproached by Emperor Diocletian and was sentence to be executed by archers.
Art usually depicts him as being shot through with arrows. Legend also says that he recovered and rebuked the emperor, at which he was killed with clubs. He was martyred in 290 A.D. What is certain is that the famous Basilica of St Sebastian was built over his tomb outside the walls of Rome. Because they are buried in the same place, Fabian and Sebastian are honored together on this date.