FOURTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME
SAINTS OF THE DAY: FEAST DAY ~ FEBRUARY 7, 2025
FIRST FRIDAYS AND FIRST SATURDAYS DEVOTIONS Details and prayer links | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/2025/02/01/first-fridays-and-first-saturdays-devotions/
Greetings and blessings, beloved family and Happy Friday of the Fourth Week in Ordinary Time!
Today, the 1st Friday of the month of February is the Devotion to the Sacred Heart of Our Lord Jesus Christ. The month of February is dedicated to the Holy Family.
Today, this First Friday of the month, on this feast day, we celebrate the Memorial of Saint Richard of Lucca, King; Saint Moses the Black, Hermit and Martyr (St. Moses is venerated by many Christians around the world and is regarded by many as the Patron Saint of nonviolence, forgiveness and Africa) and Blessed Rosalie Rendu, Religious. Through the intercession of our Blessed Mother Mary, Saint Richard of Lucca, King; Saint Moses the Black, Hermit and Martyr and Blessed Rosalie Rendu, Religious and all the Saints, we humbly pray for torture victims, the poor, the needy and the most vulnerable in our communities and around the world. For those who are sick, especially those who are sick with cancers and other terminal diseases. We pray for the Church, for persecuted Christians, for all the innocent who suffer violence due to political or religious unrest, for the conversion of sinners, and Christians all over the world. We continue to pray for peace all over the world, particularly in Africa, the Middle East, for an end to the Ukraine-Russia conflicts and for peace in our families and throughout our divided and conflicted World. May the Saints intercede for our children, children all over the world and us all. Amen. Saint Richard of Lucca, King; Saint Moses the Black, Hermit and Martyr and Blessed Rosalie Rendu, Religious ~ Pray for us 🙏🏽
We thank God for blessing us all with the gift of His precious son, may we be saved by the name of our Savior Jesus Christ! May the good Lord grant us His grace during this Ordinary Time as we continue to serve Him in spirit and in truth. 🙏🏽
NOVENA IN HONOR OF OUR LADY OF LOURDES | Novena Starts: February 2nd; Feastday: February 11th | Novena prayer | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/2025/02/02/novena-to-our-lady-of-lourdes/
Watch “Holy Mass and Holy Rosary on EWTN | “Holy Mass from the National Shrine of the Divine Mercy” | Pray “Holy Rosary Novena From Lourdes” | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/2025/02/07/catholic-daily-mass-daily-tv-mass-february-7-2025/
Pray “Holy Rosary for Peace with Pope Francis” | “The Chaplet of Divine Mercy in song”| “Holy Rosary ALL 20 Mysteries | Memorare Chaplet | Prayer in Difficult Times (Powerful Prayer) | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/2025/01/30/holy-rosary-for-peace-with-pope-francis/
Please find below links to the websites for Daily Reflections, Foundation and interesting topics and articles about our Catholic faith and doctrines | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/2025/01/30/daily-reflections-and-prayer-links/
DAILY REFLECTIONS | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/
THE POPE’S MONTHLY INTENTIONS FOR 2025: FOR THE MONTH OF FEBRUARY – FOR VOCATIONS TO THE PRIESTHOOD AND RELIGIOUS LIFE | Let us pray that the ecclesial community might welcome the desires and doubts of those young people who feel a call to serve Christ’s mission in the priesthood and religious life.
https://www.usccb.org/prayers/popes-monthly-intentions-2025 (See also http://www.popesprayerusa.net/.)
We continue to pray for the intentions of our Holy Father. We pray for the Clergy, our Holy Father, Pope Francis, Cardinals, Bishops, Priests, Deacons, all religious, for vocations to the priesthood and religious life. For those consecrated to God by the vows of chastity, poverty and obedience that they may seek to live their baptismal promises more intensely and have the grace to persevere in their commitment to the Lord and serve with open hearts and willing spirits… Amen 🙏🏽
On this special feast day, with special intention through the intercession of our Blessed Mother Mary, and the Saints, we pray for the sick and dying. We especially pray for our loved ones who have recently died and we continue to pray for the repose of the gentle souls of the recent plane crashes and souls of all the faithful departed, may the Lord receive them into the light of Eternal Kingdom. Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May their gentle souls and souls of all the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in perfect peace with our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen 🙏 ✝️🕯✝️🕯✝️🕯
“Blessed are those who have died in the Lord; let them rest from their abors for their good deeds go with them.” ~ Rev 14:13
PRAYER FOR THE DEAD: In your hands, O Lord, we humbly entrust our brothers and sisters. In this life, you embraced them with your tender love; deliver them now from every evil, and bid them eternal rest. The old order has passed away: welcome them into paradise, where there will be no sorrow, no weeping or pain, but fullness of peace and joy with your Son and the Holy Spirit forever and ever. Amen🙏
PRAYER FOR PEACE ~ POPE FRANCIS:
Lord God of peace, hear our prayer!
A PRAYER FOR PEACE: Lord Jesus Christ, You are the true King of peace. In You alone is found freedom. Please free our world from conflict. Bring unity to troubled nations. Let Your glorious peace reign in every heart. Dispel all darkness and evil. Protect the dignity of every human life. Replace hatred with Your love. Give wisdom to world leaders. Free them from selfish ambition. Eliminate all violence and war. Glorious Virgin Mary, Saint Michael the Archangel, Every Angel and Saint: Please pray for peace. Pray for unity amongst nations. Pray for unity amongst all people. Pray for the most vulnerable. Pray for those suffering. Pray for the fearful. Pray for those most in need. Pray for us all. Jesus, Son of the Living God, have mercy on us. Jesus, hear our prayers. Jesus, I trust in You! Amen 🙏
Prayers for Peace | https://mycatholic.life/catholic-prayers/prayers-for-peace/
FIRST FRIDAYS AND FIRST SATURDAYS DEVOTIONS:
The FIRST FRIDAY DEVOTION is a Catholic practice that involves attending Mass, receiving Holy Communion and praying and adoring before the Blessed Sacrament on the first Friday of each month for nine months in a row. The devotion originated in the 17th century after Jesus appeared to St. Margaret Mary and spoke of His Sacred Heart. Jesus promised that those who receive Holy Communion on the First Fridays of nine consecutive months will receive the grace of final perseverance. The devotion is a way to honor the Sacred Heart of Jesus and to atone for sins. The devotion is also known as the Communions of Reparation to the Sacred Heart or the Nine First Fridays Devotion. The Roman Catholic Church fully approved the devotion.Â
Some elements of the First Fridays Devotion include:
- Sacramental Confession:Â A preparation for the devotionÂ
- Holy Communion: Received on the first Friday of each month for nine months in a rowÂ
- Holy Hour:Â Spent in the presence of the Blessed SacramentÂ
- Prayer for the Holy Father:Â A prayer for the intentions of the Holy FatherÂ
The devotion is said to offer many spiritual blessings, including:
- Increased Grace: The soul is strengthened and intimacy with Christ is deepened through the frequent reception of the Eucharist
- Inner Peace:Â Trusting in Jesus’ promises can bring comfort in times of trial
- Forgiveness and Healing:Â Reparation for sins can bring peace to the heart and renewal in Christ
- Final Perseverance:Â Those who complete the devotion with love and faith are assured of Christ’s presence at the moment of death
The FIVE FIRST SATURDAYS DEVOTION originated from the 1917 apparitions of the Virgin Mary in Fatima, Portugal. During these apparitions, Our Lady asked for acts of reparation to be made on the first Saturday of five consecutive months, with the intention of atoning for the sins committed against her Immaculate Heart. While the Sacred Heart of Jesus promises abundant blessings, including peace, consolation, and assistance at the hour of death, to those who faithfully observe nine consecutive First Fridays. Similarly, Our Lady extends her maternal protection and the promise of salvation to those who commit to five consecutive First Saturdays in honor of her Immaculate Heart.
Our Lady promises her assistance and graces especially at the hour of death, as well as peace and consolation in families and eventual salvation for those who faithfully practice the First Five Saturdays devotion. It involves attending Mass, receiving communion, praying the Rosary, and meditating on its mysteries on 5 consecutive first Saturdays with the intention of making reparation to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
The promises of Mary for the First Five Saturdays devotion:
* On each First Saturday, after receiving communion, reciting the Rosary, and meditating for 15 minutes on the mysteries of the Rosary, Our Lady promised to assist at the hour of death with all the graces necessary for salvation all those who make this devotion in reparation to Her Immaculate Heart.
* Our Lady promised to grant peace to families who fulfill this devotion.
* Those who fulfill the devotion will be consoled by Our Lady and will see Her eventually in heaven.
* Our Lady promised to assist in the salvation of those who practice this devotion by the graces of Her Immaculate Heart.
These First Saturday Prayers to the Immaculate Heart of Mary are recommended for those participating in the Five First Saturdays devotion.
Please see below links for both First Fridays and First Saturdays Devotions:
First Fridays Devotion: https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/2025/01/03/first-friday-devotion-to-the-sacred-heart-of-jesus/
First Fridays and First Saturdays Devotions: https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/2025/01/03/first-fridays-first-saturdays-devotions/
NOVENA IN HONOR OF OUR LADY OF LOURDES [Novena Starts: February 2nd; Feastday: February 11th]
NOVENA PRAYER: Most Holy Mother Mary, at Lourdes you asked us to do penance and to pray for the conversion of sinners. Obtain for each of us the grace of true repentance. Help those for whom we pray, and especially those who most need God’s mercy. Your Divine Son so loves every soul that He gave His life to pay the price for our redemption. Help us to return His love by making the sacrifices needed to keep his commandments. Most Holy Mother you offered your Divine Son to the Eternal Father when you presented Him in the temple; offer us to the Father as your other children; watch over us and guide us. Blessed Mother, obtain for me the grace I most need, and especially these favors that I ask in this Novena, if they be in keeping with God’s will. Amen.
O Immaculate Virgin Mary, preserved from the slightest stain of sin, and enriched with all the treasures of divine grace, I thank you for the many blessings I have received through your most powerful intercession. You know my needs, my trials, my sufferings. Mother of mercy, I beseech you to hear my prayer, and to obtain for me of your Divine Son the favors I seek in this Novena. (Here make your requests.)
THE MEMORARE: Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thy intercession, was left unaided. Inspired with this confidence, I fly unto thee, O Virgin of Virgins, my Mother; to thee I come, before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful; O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in thy mercy hear and answer me. Amen 🙏🏽(Add your daily Rosary)
Our Lady of Lourdes, Pray for us 🙏🏽
Saint Bernadette, Pray for us 🙏🏽
Novena to Our Lady of Lourdes Link | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/2025/02/02/novena-to-our-lady-of-lourdes/
SAINTS OF THE DAY: MEMORIAL OF SAINT RICHARD OF LUCCA, KING; SAINT MOSES THE BLACK, HERMIT AND MARTYR AND BLESSED ROSALIE RENDU, RELIGIOUS – FEAST DAY ~ FEBRUARY 7TH: Today, we celebrate the Memorial of Saint Richard of Lucca, King; Saint Moses the Black, Hermit and Martyr (St. Moses is venerated by many Christians around the world and is regarded by many as the Patron Saint of nonviolence, forgiveness and Africa) and Blessed Rosalie Rendu, Religious. Through the intercession of our Blessed Mother Mary, Saint Richard of Lucca, King; Saint Moses the Black, Hermit and Martyr and Blessed Rosalie Rendu, Religious and all the Saints, we humbly pray for torture victims, the poor, the needy and the most vulnerable in our communities and around the world. For those who are sick, especially those who are sick with cancers and other terminal diseases. We pray for the Church, for persecuted Christians, for all the innocent who suffer violence due to political or religious unrest, for the conversion of sinners, and Christians all over the world. We continue to pray for peace all over the world, particularly in Africa, the Middle East, for an end to the Ukraine-Russia conflicts and for peace in our families and throughout our divided and conflicted World. Amen 🙏🏾
Saint Richard of Lucca, King; Saint Moses the Black, Hermit and Martyr and Blessed Rosalie Rendu, Religious ~ Pray for us 🙏🏽
Saint(s) of the Day | February 7th | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/
SAINT RICHARD OF LUCCA, KING: St. Richard (c. 720 A.D.), also known as Richard the King or Richard the Pilgrim, was a Saxon king born in Wessex, England. St. Richard was a prince of the West Saxons in the 8th century but he was accorded the title of King by his people who held him in great veneration. He was related by blood to the royal house of Kent. His brother-in-law was St. Boniface, and three of his children are numbered among the saints: St. Willibald, St. Winnebald, and St. Walburga. When Willibald was gravely ill as a child, Richard’s prayers for his son are said to have saved his life. He wrapped his child in a blanket and took him to the foot of a large crucifix erected near their village, and the child recovered.
When Willibald was grown and a Benedictine monk at the monastery of Waltham, he convinced his father and brother, Winnebald to accompany him on a missionary pilgrimage to Rome and the Holy Land. St. Richard agreed, renounced his royal estate, and embarked on the journey with his two sons, while his daughter entered a convent. After staying at Rouen for some time, they continued through France and northern Italy despite severe hardships. On the way they visited churches and shrines and nourished their faith and devotion. Exhausted by the lengthy and difficult journey, St. Richard became sick and died at Lucca in Italy about the year 720 and enjoys great veneration there. He was buried in Tuscany at the Church of San Frediano. Numerous miracles are reported to have occurred at his tomb. Some of his relics were transported to Eichstatt, Germany, where his son Winnebald would become Bishop. St. Richard’s sons helped their uncle, St. Boniface, the apostle of Germany, to evangelize the Franks. His daughter became abbess of Heidenheim and ran a school for the children of Frankish nobles.
PRAYER: Lord God, You alone are holy and no one is good without You. Through the intercession of St. Richard help us to live in such a way that we may not be deprived of a share in Your glory. Amen🙏
SAINT MOSES THE BLACK, HERMIT AND MARTYR: St. Moses (330-405) was enslaved, committed murder, became leader of a gang, and then changed his ways forever. He was an ascetic monk born in Ethiopia in 330. Moses the Black also called the Ethiopian was known as a “Desert Father”. Moses didn’t start out a monk and for most of his early life, he lived on the wrong side of the law. St. Moses the Black was an Ethiopian with great physical strength, he was a large, imposing figure. He traveled to Egypt for adventure but got a lowly servant job. He was a house-servant (slave) to a government official in Egypt until he was dismissed by his own master because of immorality and brigandage – theft and suspected murder. Forced out on the streets, he roamed the Nile Valley with an infamous and violent gang of robbers. Moses quickly became the leader of a gang and was notorious for violence and robbery. On one occasion, a barking dog prevented Moses from carrying out a robbery, so he swore vengeance on the owner. Weapons in his mouth, Moses swam the river toward the owner’s hut. The owner, again alerted, hid and the frustrated Moses took some of his sheep to slaughter. Attempting to hide from local authorities, he took shelter with some monks in a colony in the desert of Wadi El Natrun, then called Scetes, near Alexandria. The dedication of their lives, as well as their peace and contentment, influenced Moses deeply. He soon gave up his old way of life, renounced his life of violence and became a Christian, was baptized and joined the monastic community at Scetes. He dedicated the rest of his life to prayer as a leader of a group of hermits in the desert. He had a rather difficult time adjusting to regular monastic discipline. His flair for adventure remained with him. His past did come in handy when a group of robbers attacked the monastery and tried to overpower him in his desert cell. Moses fought back, overpowered the intruders, and dragged them to the chapel where the other monks were at prayer. He told the brothers that he didn’t think it Christian to hurt the robbers, asked what he should do with them. The robbers astounded by what happened, repented and converted to the Christian faith and eventually joined the community of monks.
St. Moses was zealous in all he did, but became discouraged when he concluded he was not perfect enough. Early one morning, St. Isidore, abbot of the community, took Brother Moses to the roof and together they watched the first rays of dawn come over the horizon. Isidore told Moses, “Only slowly do the rays of the sun drive away the night and usher in a new day, and thus, only slowly does one become a perfect contemplative.” Moses proved to be effective as a prophetic spiritual leader. The abbot ordered the brothers to fast during a particular week. Some brothers came to Moses, and he prepared a meal for them. Neighboring monks reported to the abbot that Moses was breaking the fast. When they came to confront Moses, they changed their minds, saying “You did not keep a human commandment, but it was so that you might keep the divine commandment of hospitality.” Some see in this account one of the earliest allusions to the Paschal fast, which developed at this time. When a brother committed a fault and Moses was invited to a meeting to discuss an appropriate penance, Moses refused to attend. When he was again called to the meeting, Moses took a leaking jug filled with water and carried it on his shoulder. Another version of the story has him carrying a basket filled with sand. When he arrived at the meeting place, the others asked why he was carrying the jug. He replied, “My sins run out behind me and I do not see them, but today I am coming to judge the errors of another.” On hearing this, the assembled brothers forgave the erring monk. St. Moses became the spiritual leader of a colony of hermits in the desert. At some time, he had been ordained priest. At about age 75, about the year 405, word came that a group of renegades planned to attack the colony. The brothers wanted to defend themselves, but Moses forbade it. He told them to retreat, rather than take up weapons. He and seven others remained behind and greeted the invaders with open arms, but all eight were martyred by the bandits. After years of humbly preaching forgiveness, he was killed trying to protect the monastery, but not before he saved 70 brother monks. St. Moses is venerated by many Christians around the world and is regarded by many as the Patron Saint of nonviolence, forgiveness and Africa.
Saint Moses The Black, Hermit and Martyr ~ Pray for us 🙏
BLESSED ROSALIE RENDU, RELIGIOUS: Blessed Rosalie Rendu (1786-1856) was born in France during the chaotic French Revolution. Her life was one of prayer and charity which led her to enter the Daughters of Charity, eventually becoming the superior of the Paris convent. She served the poor, opened a free clinic, pharmacy, schools, orphanages, childcare centers, homes for the elderly, youth clubs for young workers, and cared for the wounded between both sides of warring revolutions.
Blessed Rosalie worked closely with Bl. Frederic Ozanam whose work became the St. Vincent de Paul Society. She died in 1856 of frailty and fatigue from a lifetime of incredible work. Blessed Rosalie Rendu Feast Day is February 7th.
Blessed Rosalie Rendu, Religious ~ Pray for us 🙏
SCRIPTURE REFLECTIONS:
Bible Readings for today’s Holy Mass, Friday of the Fourth Week in Ordinary Time | USCCB | https://bible.usccb.org/daily-bible-reading
Today’s Bible Readings: Friday of the Fourth Week in Ordinary Time | February 7, 2025
Reading 1, Hebrews 13:1-8
Responsorial Psalm, Psalms 27:1, 3, 5, 8-9
Gospel, Mark 6:14-29
Gospel Reading ~ Mark 6:14-29
“It is John whom I beheaded. He has been raised up”
“King Herod heard about Jesus, for his fame had become widespread, and people were saying, “John the Baptist has been raised from the dead; That is why mighty powers are at work in him.” Others were saying, “He is Elijah”; still others, “He is a prophet like any of the prophets.” But when Herod learned of it, he said, “It is John whom I beheaded. He has been raised up.” Herod was the one who had John arrested and bound in prison on account of Herodias, the wife of his brother Philip, whom he had married. John had said to Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.” Herodias harbored a grudge against him and wanted to kill him but was unable to do so. Herod feared John, knowing him to be a righteous and holy man, and kept him in custody. When he heard him speak he was very much perplexed, yet he liked to listen to him. Herodias had an opportunity one day when Herod, on his birthday, gave a banquet for his courtiers, his military officers, and the leading men of Galilee. His own daughter came in and performed a dance that delighted Herod and his guests. The king said to the girl, “Ask of me whatever you wish and I will grant it to you.” He even swore many things to her, “I will grant you whatever you ask of me, even to half of my kingdom.” She went out and said to her mother, “What shall I ask for?” Her mother replied, “The head of John the Baptist.” The girl hurried back to the king’s presence and made her request, “I want you to give me at once on a platter the head of John the Baptist.” The king was deeply distressed, but because of his oaths and the guests he did not wish to break his word to her. So he promptly dispatched an executioner with orders to bring back his head. He went off and beheaded him in the prison. He brought in the head on a platter and gave it to the girl. The girl in turn gave it to her mother. When his disciples heard about it, they came and took his body and laid it in a tomb.”
In today’s Gospel reading, at the beginning of the Gospel reading, people express their views as to who Jesus really is. Some say that Jesus is a prophet, like the prophets of old. Others are more specific and say that He is Elijah the prophet, whose return was expected at some time. Herod Antipas, the ruler of Galilee, thought that Jesus might be John the Baptist risen from the dead. If this is what Herod Antipas actually thought, it may have sprung from a sense of guilt over ordering the execution of John the Baptist because John was against Herod, who contrary to the Jewish Law, married his brother Philip’s wife. The Gospel of St. Mark gave the account of the time when St. John the Baptist, the Herald of the Messiah was imprisoned after having been arrested by King Herod Antipas upon his criticism and rebuke of the adulterous relationship which the king had with his own brother’s wife, Herodias, the wife of Philip, the brother of Herod Antipas himself. This relationship was considered as adulterous because according to inferences of Scriptural records and historical evidence, Philip, the brother of Herod was still very much alive, and this marriage had produced a daughter, the one named as the daughter of Herodias in the Gospel today, likely the stepdaughter of Herod. As Herod’s brother was still alive, for him to take his own brother’s wife as his own was adulterous. Therefore, St. John the Baptist harshly rebuked the immoral behaviour of the king, which did not show a good example for the people under his dominion and leadership, among other wicked deeds he had done. This led to St. John the Baptist being hated especially by Herodias, who plotted to have him killed, and this succeeded when Herodias managed to get Herod to make promises to her daughter, when he was bewitched by her beauty during a celebration, and hence, Herod had no choice but to order the execution of the holy man of God, who was beheaded, and his head was delivered to Herodias on a platter. St. John the Baptist, the Herald of the Messiah, the one to announce the coming of the Lord, was faithful to the very end, and showed his faith to all of us as good inspiration and example.
In the Gospel reading, Herod was afraid of John the Baptist, knowing him to be a good and holy man and Herod liked to listen to John even though he was often perplexed by what John had to say. It seems that Herod had John beheaded against his better judgement. He felt bound by a rather rash public oath he had made to his step daughter, the daughter of his wife Herodias from her marriage to Herod’s brother, Philip. Herod’s wife, Herodias, took advantage of Herod’s rash promise by getting her daughter to ask for the head of John the Baptist. Rather than follow his better instincts, Herod gave in to his wife’s request, to protect his honour. He couldn’t be seen not to keep an oath he had publicly made. Preserving his honour was more important than preserving the life of a man whom he knew to be good and holy. The dilemma of Herod is the dilemma of us all, at some time in our lives. We sense a call from deep within us to do what is good and noble and honourable, what is generous and life-giving. At the same time, we feel pressures of various kinds to ignore that call and act in a more self-serving way. At such moments, we need help from beyond ourselves, the help of the Holy Spirit, so that we can take the path the Lord is calling us to take, even though it is the more difficult path, the one that will demand more of us.
Reflecting on today’s Gospel, John the Baptist was the innocent victim of the irresponsible use of power. Accordi g to thr Gospel reading, Herod had John executed because he wanted to save face. Having made a reckless promise to his step daughter, he would not go back on it, as to do so would have meant a loss of honour. There have always been and still are innocent victims of the irresponsible use of power. Jesus was the supreme example of a victim of the irresponsible use of power. It was the religiously and politically powerful who had Jesus crucified. Whenever anyone is victimized in this way, it is always a terrible tragedy. Such a travesty of justice is never God’s will. Yet, both the death of John the Baptist and of Jesus show us that God can bring good out of such tragedies, out of such travesties of justice. God can work powerfully through the weakness of such innocent victims, even though it is never God’s will that such victimization should ever happen. It is Jesus and John, not Pilate or Caiaphas or Herod, who continue to shine as a light for all who seek the path of life today.
Our first reading today is the continuation of the discourse from the Epistle to the Hebrews. The author of the Epistle to the Hebrews exhorts the faithful people of God from among the Jewish community to follow the path which the Lord has shown and taught them, that they all ought to obey sincerely and truly the Law and commandments of God by living their lives as good and devout followers of God, in being faithful to one another, as spouses and members of the family and the loving community of God’s people, to be ever righteous and just in everything that they say and do, so that they may be good examples to everyone. They were reminded to be kind and loving to those who are suffering, and to follow the examples of Christ Himself. All of us as Christians ought to embody our faith in our everyday living, doing our best so that we may reveal the Lord and His truth to everyone we encounter in our daily living. It is through each and every one of us that God may be proclaimed and glorified, and it is indeed our duty and responsibility to be missionary and evangelistic in our everyday actions and life. If we cannot carry out these faithfully and live our lives instead in the manner that is contrary to our faith, full of sin and wickedness, then we cannot call or consider ourselves as true Christians, as God’s truly beloved and faithful disciples, the ones whom He had called and chosen to be His own. Many people throughout history had been called by God and came to His salvation through the great examples of many of those who have lived their lives worthily as Christians, and equally many had been prevented and repulsed from doing so by the wickedness of those who called themselves as Christians as well.
As we reflect on the words of the Sacred Scriptures today, we are all reminded of the kind of life and actions that we are all expected to do as Christians, that is as those who are considered as followers and disciples of the Lord, and who have professed our faith in God. Each and every one of us as Christians must always strive to be truly devoted, genuine and committed to God, doing whatever we can so that by our holy and exemplary lives, we may always be good examples, role models and inspirations to everyone whom we encounter daily in life. We should be the shining beacons of God’s light, hope and truth, showing forth Who our Lord and Saviour is through our good examples and lives. And we must remember that our every actions, words and deeds, our whole lives and every moments in our existence will be held accountable on the Day of Judgment. If we have been faithful and committed ourselves sincerely and lovingly to the Lord, to the cause He has entrusted to us, and doing what we can to glorify God even in the smallest things we do in life, then we shall be righteous and justified because of this living and genuine faith which we have in God. On the contrary, if we have ignored our calling and mission in life, refusing to do what we are able to do to help others around us, to do what is God according to God’s Law and commandments, then those failures and omissions will be judged against us, and the Lord may count us among the unworthy and the condemned. We are all called to follow the lives and examples of the Holy men and women, and the Saints, particularly the Saints we celebrate today, Saint Richard of Lucca, King; Saint Moses the Black, Hermit and Martyr (St. Moses is venerated by many Christians around the world and is regarded by many as the Patron Saint of nonviolence, forgiveness and Africa) and Blessed Rosalie Rendu, Religious. Therefore let us all continue to do whatever we can so that in our everyday living we may always be good and faithful beacons of God’s light to everyone, to be great examples and inspirations to our brothers and sisters in our midst, to help many others to come to know the Lord and His truth, by sharing our faith with them, and by walking this path of life with righteousness and virtue in all the things that we say and do. May God bless us always, and may He empower us in all the efforts and works that we do so that our every good works and endeavours may bring even more good things and be ever more fruitful, now and forevermore. Let us all be good and worthy disciples of God, His beloved and holy children, His holy people. May God in His infinite grace and mercy, grant us the grace to dedicate ourselves thoroughly and completely to walk in His path, to obey His will and commandments, and to answer His call with firm resolution in our hearts. May God bless us all in our every good efforts, deeds and endeavours, now and always, forevermore. Amen🙏
DEVOTION OF THE MONTH OF FEBRUARY | MONTH OF THE HOLY FAMILY The month of February is traditionally dedicated to the Holy Family. Between the events which marked Christmas and the beginning of Christ’s public life the Church has seen fit to recall the example of the Holy Family for the emulation of the Christian family.
The Feast of the Presentation (February 2) or Candlemas forms a fitting transition from Christmas to Easter. The small Christ-Child is still in His Mother’s arms, but already she is offering Him in sacrifice.
The Saints that we will focus on this month and try to imitate are:
St. Blaise and St. Ansgar (February 3); St. Agatha (February 5); St. Jerome Emiliani and St. Josephine Bakhita (February 8); St. Scholastica (February 10); Our Lady of Lourdes (February 11); Sts. Cyril and Methodius (February 14); Seven Founders of the Orders of Servites (February 17); St. Peter Damian (February 21); Chair of St. Peter (February 22) and St. Polycarp (February 23). The Optional Memorial of Polycarp (February 23), is superseded by the Sunday Liturgy.
From Feast to Fast: Though the shortest month of the year, February is rich in Liturgical activity. It contains a feast (Presentation of our Lord) that bridges two other seasons (Christmas and Easter). The Feast of the Presentation of the Lord on February 2nd harkens back to the Christmas mystery of Light except that now, Christ, the helpless babe, is “the Light of Revelation to the Gentiles who will save His people from their sins.” Candles, symbolizing Christ our Light, will be carried in procession this day, as will be the Paschal candle during the Easter Vigil Liturgy. In addition, the faithful may receive in February two of the four major public sacramentals that the Church confers during the liturgical year: blessed candles and the blessing of throats. “The Light of Revelation” shines more brightly with each successive Sunday of Ordinary Time, until its magnificence–exposing our sinfulness and need for conversion–propels us into the penitential Season of Lent. We prepare to accept the cross of blessed ashes on Ash Wednesday, falls on March 5, 2025, marking the beginning of the Lenten season and plunge ourselves into anticipating the major exercises of Lent–fasting, prayer, almsgiving–laying our thoughts and prayers on the heart of our Mother Mary. She, who offered her Son in the temple and on the Cross, will teach us how to deny ourselves, take up our cross daily, and follow after her Son. 🙏🏽
https://www.catholicculture.org/culture/library/view.cfm?recnum=12539
PRAYER INTENTIONS: We thank God for blessing us all with the gift of His precious son, may we be saved by the name of our Savior Jesus Christ! May the good Lord grant us His grace during this Ordinary Time as we continue to serve Him in spirit and in truth. Every life is a gift. Through the intercession of our Blessed Mother Mary and all the Saints, we humbly pray for torture victims, the poor, the needy and the most vulnerable in our communities and around the world. For persecuted Christians, for all the innocent who suffer violence due to political or religious unrest, for the conversion of sinners, and Christians all over the world. We pray for all those who are sick, we particularly pray for sick children, the mentally and physically ill, strokes, heart diseases, and those suffering from breast cancer and other cancers and terminal diseases. May God restore them to good health and grant them His Divine healing and intervention. May our Mother Mary comfort them, may the Angels and Saints watch over them and may the Holy Spirit guide them in peace and comfort during this challenging time. We pray for the safety and well-being of us all and our families. We pray for an end to war, political and religious unrest. We pray for peace, love and unity in our families, our marriages and our divided and conflicted world. For God’s deliverance from impossible causes or situations. We pray for the souls in Purgatory and the repose of the souls of the faithful departed and for all widows and widowers. We continue to pray for the Clergy, our Holy Father, Pope Francis, Cardinals, Bishops, Priests, Deacons, all religious, for vocations to the priesthood and religious life. For those consecrated to God by the vows of chastity, poverty and obedience that they may seek to live their baptismal promises more intensely and have the grace to persevere in their commitment to the Lord and serve with open hearts and willing spirits… Amen. We pray for the Church, for persecuted Christians, for all the innocent who suffer violence due to political or religious unrest, for the conversion of sinners, and Christians all over the world. During this Ordinary Time, please let us all continue to pray for peace all over the world, particularly in Africa, the Middle East, for an end to the Ukraine-Russia conflicts and for peace in our families and throughout our divided and conflicted World. Amen 🙏🏾
Let us pray:
My Lord of all Truth, Your Word and Your Word alone brings grace and salvation. Please give me the grace I need to always listen to Your Word and to respond generously with all my heart. May I repent when I am convicted by Your Word and may I wholeheartedly return to You. Give me courage when others reject Your Truth and wisdom to know how to share that Word with love. Jesus, I trust in You ~ Amen 🙏
Save Us, Savior of the World. Our Blessed Mother Mary and Saint Richard of Lucca; Saint Moses the Black and Blessed Rosalie Rendu ~ Pray for us 🙏
Thanking God for the gift of this new year and praying for justice, peace, love and unity in our families and our world and for God’s Divine Mercy and Grace upon us all as during this Ordinary Time. Have a blessed, safe, and grace-filled and relaxing weekend. Amen 🙏🏽
Blessings and Love always, Philomena đź’–