WEDNESDAY AFTER EPIPHANY
SAINTS OF THE DAY ~ FEAST DAY: JANUARY 7, 2026 | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/category/saints-of-the-day
MEMORIAL OF SAINT RAYMOND OF PENAFORT (PENYAFORT), PRIEST AND SAINT LUCIAN OF ANTIOCH, MARTYR | JANUARY 7TH | Direct link to the detailed history of Saint Raymond of Peñafort, and Saint Lucian of Antioch | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saints-of-the-day-feast-day-january-7th/
Watch “Holy Mass and Holy Rosary | EWTN | January 7, 2026 | “Holy Mass from the National Shrine of the Divine Mercy” | Pray “Holy Rosary Novena From Lourdes” | Pray “The Chaplet of Divine Mercy in song from the National Shrine of the Divine Mercy” | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/catholic-daily-mass-january-7-2026/
THE LITURGICAL YEAR IN THE CATHOLIC CHURCH | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/the-liturgical-year-in-the-catholic-church/
Greetings and blessings, beloved family!
Today, Wednesday after Epiphany, January 7, the Church celebrates the Memorial of Saint Raymond of Peñafort, Priest, and Saint Lucian of Antioch, Martyr. In today’s readings, we are reminded that God is love and that perfect love casts out fear, even in the midst of life’s storms. As Jesus comes to His disciples walking on the sea and speaks words of courage, and as today’s saints remained faithful through learning, service, and sacrifice, we are invited to trust more deeply in the Lord’s abiding presence. May this reflection encourage us to stand firm in truth, act with charity, and live fearlessly in the light of Christ revealed to the nations. 🙏🏽
We joyfully thank God for the gift of life and for bringing us safely into the new year. As we embark on this fresh journey of faith, we give thanks for God’s boundless mercy and the hope of eternal life promised to those who believe in Him. May the witness of the Saints and the faith of our loved ones inspire us to live each day in holiness, humility, and love. This month of January, dedicated to the Holy Name of Jesus, invites us to grow in grace and devotion, following His example of love, obedience, and trust in God’s plan. Through the prayers of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the Holy Name of Jesus, may God fill our hearts with hope, strengthen our faith, and guide us in holiness throughout this new year. May this month bring light to our minds, peace to our hearts, and strength to our souls. Amen 🙏🏽
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted” ~ Matthew 5:4
We join our Holy Father Pope Leo XIV to pray for the gentle repose of the souls of our dear beloved late Pope Francis, the Cardinals, Bishops, Priests and Religious who have gone to be with the Lord. We also remember in prayer all who began this journey of life with us but are no longer here. We pray for the gentle repose of the souls of our loved ones who recently passed away, and we continue to pray for the souls in Purgatory; lost souls. For the repose of the souls of all the faithful departed, may the Lord receive them into the light of Eternal Kingdom.
“Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of His Saints.” ~ Psalm 116:15
Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord. And let perpetual light shine upon them. May their gentle souls through the mercy of God rest in perfect peace with our Lord Jesus Christ… Amen 🙏🏽
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🙏🏽✝️🕯✝️🕯✝️🕯
Lord Almighty, we lift our hearts in gratitude for Your unfailing love, protection, and mercy that carried us through the past months. We entrust the days of January into Your hands, asking for Your blessings, guidance, and peace upon our lives and families. May this month be for us a time of renewed faith, deeper hope, and overflowing joy. We pray especially for all families, for children, parents, and teachers, that they may be strengthened and protected. Bless those who will celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, new opportunities, and milestones this month, and comfort those who enter it with heavy hearts or struggles. Lord, go before us, walk beside us, and remain with us always, now and forever. Amen. 🙏🏽
Today, we humbly pray for the poor, abandoned, and those in need, for all those who are marginalized in our society. For those who are imprisoned, especially those who are unjustly imprisoned. We pray for charitable organizations, asking God’s blessing upon their mission and we lift our prayers for peace, love, justice and unity in our families, marriages and our world. May God protect us all and keep us safe and united in peace, love and faith. Amen 🙏🏽
Through the intercession of our Blessed Mother Mary on this special Feast day, we lift our prayers for the protection, safety and well-being of healthcare professionals, educators, missionaries, pilots, and all travelers. We ask for healing for the sick and dying, especially those who are suffering from cancers and other terminal diseases, strength for the weary, peace in troubled homes, and provision for all in need. Guide our steps in righteousness, protect us from harm, and fill our hearts with faith, joy, and gratitude. May this month draw us closer to Your will, and may every day be a testimony of Your goodness and mercy in our lives. We begin this month with trust in Your unfailing love, Lord, and we surrender all that lies ahead into Your hands. Amen 🙏🏾
We continue to pray for the Church, the Clergy, our Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, the Cardinals, Bishops, all Priests, that they be sanctified in their ministry to God’s people. We pray for persecuted Christians, for the conversion of sinners, and Christians all over the world suffering from political and religious unrest.
Through the intercession of St. Joseph, we pray for all fathers, mothers, workers, and all those who labor in this world. May the Lord bless the work of their hands, and may God’s grace and mercy be with us all during this season of Advent. Wishing us all and our loved ones a joyful, peaceful, and grace-filled month of January. 🙏🏽
SCRIPTURE REFLECTIONS:
Bible Readings for today’s Holy Mass, Wednesday after Epiphany | USCCB | https://bible.usccb.org/daily-bible-reading
Today’s Bible Readings: Wednesday after Epiphany | January 7, 2026
Reading 1: 1 John 4:11–18
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 72:1–2, 10, 12–13
Gospel: Mark 6:45–52
Gospel Reading ~ Mark 6:45–52
“Take courage, it is I, do not be afraid!”
After the five thousand had eaten and were satisfied, Jesus made his disciples get into the boat and precede him to the other side toward Bethsaida, while he dismissed the crowd. And when he had taken leave of them, he went off to the mountain to pray. When it was evening, the boat was far out on the sea and he was alone on shore. Then he saw that they were tossed about while rowing, for the wind was against them. About the fourth watch of the night, he came toward them walking on the sea. He meant to pass by them. But when they saw him walking on the sea, they thought it was a ghost and cried out. They had all seen him and were terrified. But at once he spoke with them, “Take courage, it is I, do not be afraid!” He got into the boat with them and the wind died down. They were completely astounded. They had not understood the incident of the loaves. On the contrary, their hearts were hardened.
In today’s Gospel reading, we encounter the disciples struggling against strong winds and rough waters, alone in the darkness after a long day of ministry. Though Jesus is not physically with them in the boat, He sees their struggle from afar. This scene reassures us that even when Christ feels distant, He is never unaware of our trials. In the midst of exhaustion and fear, Jesus comes to them in an unexpected way, walking upon the sea, revealing His divine authority over chaos and fear.
The disciples’ reaction is one of terror. They mistake the presence of Christ for a threat rather than a gift. Yet Jesus immediately speaks words of comfort: “Take courage, it is I, do not be afraid.” These words echo throughout Scripture as a constant reminder of God’s nearness and faithfulness. Fear often clouds our vision, making it difficult to recognize God’s presence in moments of hardship. The Gospel teaches us that faith is not the absence of storms, but trust in Christ who comes to us within them.
Reflecting more deeply, the Gospel notes that the disciples “had not understood the incident of the loaves” and that their hearts were hardened. Despite witnessing the miracle of the multiplication, they still struggle to trust fully in Jesus’ power and compassion. This challenges us to reflect on our own hearts. How often do we experience God’s blessings yet fail to recognize His continued presence when difficulties arise? The journey of faith requires continual growth, remembrance, and openness to grace.
In the First Reading, Saint John draws us into the very heart of Christian life: love. “God is love,” he proclaims, and whoever remains in love remains in God. This love is not rooted in fear or obligation, but in God’s initiative. He loved us first and sent His Son as Savior of the world. Perfect love, Saint John reminds us, casts out fear. When we truly trust in God’s love, fear loses its power over us, and our confidence in Him grows.
The Responsorial Psalm complements this message by presenting Christ as the just and compassionate King who rescues the poor, defends the afflicted, and brings peace to the nations. This vision of a merciful ruler aligns beautifully with the Gospel image of Jesus who does not abandon His disciples in the storm but comes to save and steady them. His reign is marked not by domination, but by tenderness toward the weak and vulnerable.
As we reflect on today’s Sacred Scriptures, we are invited to ask ourselves: What fears am I carrying in my heart? Do I recognize Christ’s presence when life feels uncertain or overwhelming? Am I allowing God’s perfect love to drive out fear and deepen my trust in Him? Today’s readings call us to remain rooted in love, confident that Christ sees us, comes to us, and calms the storms we cannot control. May we grow in faith, courage, and love, trusting that the Lord who walks upon the waters also walks faithfully beside us each day. 🙏🏽
Lord Jesus Christ, You come to us in the midst of our fears and speak peace to our troubled hearts. Help us to trust in Your presence even when the way is unclear. Fill us with Your perfect love that casts out fear and strengthens our faith. May we remain rooted in Your love, confident in Your saving power, and faithful in following You through every storm of life. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏽
MEMORIAL OF SAINT RAYMOND OF PEÑAFORT (PENYAFORT), PRIEST; AND SAINT LUCIAN OF ANTIOCH, MARTYR – FEAST DAY: JANUARY 7: Today, the Church commemorates the Memorial of Saint Raymond of Peñafort, Priest (Patron of Canon Lawyers and Attorneys), and Saint Lucian of Antioch, Martyr (Patron of Biblical Scholars). Though they lived in different eras and served the Church in distinct ways—one through law and pastoral wisdom, the other through Scripture and martyrdom, both bore courageous witness to the truth of the Gospel. Their lives remind us that fidelity to Christ demands both clarity of faith and perseverance amid trials. As we honor these saints, we are invited to reflect on how truth, love, and sacrifice shape authentic Christian witness. Whether through teaching, defending the faith, or enduring suffering for Christ, their examples encourage us to remain steadfast, trusting that God’s truth ultimately prevails.
Saints of the Day with Daily Reflections | January 7th https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com
(Direct link to the detailed history of Saint Raymond of Peñafort, and Saint Lucian of Antioch | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saints-of-the-day-feast-day-january-7th/)
SAINT RAYMOND OF PEÑAFORT (PENYAFORT), PRIEST: Saint Raymond of Peñafort (1175–1275) was a Dominican priest renowned for his deep wisdom, humility, and service to the Church. A gifted scholar of canon law, he played a key role in organizing the Church’s legal system, helping ensure that justice and mercy worked together in guiding Christian life.
Beyond scholarship, Saint Raymond labored tirelessly for the conversion of souls, supported efforts to free Christian captives, and encouraged missionary outreach. His life reveals that the law of the Church, when rooted in love, serves communion with God and neighbor rather than becoming a burden.
PRAYER: O God, who endowed Saint Raymond of Peñafort with wisdom and compassion, grant that through his intercession we may seek justice guided by charity and live faithfully according to Your will. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏽
SAINT LUCIAN OF ANTIOCH, MARTYR: Saint Lucian of Antioch (c. 240–312) was a priest, scholar, and courageous martyr who devoted his life to the study and preservation of Sacred Scripture. Known for his careful revision of biblical texts, his scholarship greatly influenced later translations of the Bible and strengthened the Church’s understanding of God’s Word.
During fierce persecution, Saint Lucian remained unwavering in his faith. Imprisoned and tortured for Christ, he bore witness to the Gospel until his death, professing his identity as a Christian to the very end. His life teaches us that truth is worth defending, even at great personal cost.
PRAYER: Faithful God, You strengthened Saint Lucian to witness boldly to Christ through learning and martyrdom. Grant us courage to remain faithful to Your truth and to live the Gospel with conviction. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏽
Our Blessed Mother Mary, Saint Raymond of Peñafort, and Saint Lucian of Antioch — pray for us. 🙏🏽
GENERAL PRAYERS AND INTENTIONS | PRAYERS FOR PEACE | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/general-prayers-and-intentions/
LIST OF ALL NOVENAS | Month of January | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/list-of-all-novenas-january-2026/
COMMON CATHOLIC PRAYERS | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/common-catholic-prayers/
THE HOLY ROSARY: WHAT IS THE HOLY ROSARY AND WHY DO WE PRAY THE HOLY ROSARY? | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/2024/11/21/the-holy-rosary-what-is-the-holy-rosary-and-why-do-we-pray-the-holy-rosary/
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/
THE POPE’S MONTHLY INTENTIONS FOR 2026: FOR THE MONTH OF JANUARY: For prayer with the Word of God. Let us pray that praying with the Word of God be nourishment for our lives and a source of hope in our communities, helping us to build a more fraternal and missionary Church.
(https://popesprayerusa.net/popes-intentions/)
MONTH OF THE HOLY NAME OF JESUS: The month of January is traditionally dedicated to the Holy Name of Jesus. After the Blessed Virgin Mary conceived by the Holy Spirit, the Angel Gabriel appeared to St. Joseph told him that the Child’s name should be called Jesus, meaning “God Saves.” According to Jewish law, on the 8th day after his birth, a male child was to be circumcised, receive his name, and become a full member of God’s covenant people. According to the old Roman liturgical calendar, the Feast of the Circumcision of Jesus was celebrated on January 1st, eight days after Christmas, the same day that He was given His sacred name. Currently, we celebrate the Solemnity of the Mother of God on January 1st and honor the Holy Name of Jesus on January 3rd. For Catholics, Jesus’ sacred name is the object of a special devotion symbolized by the monogram “IHS,” (sometimes called a Christogram), which is the first three letters of the Greek spelling of His name.
https://www.catholicculture.org/culture/library/view.cfm?recnum=12538
PRAYER INTENTIONS: In the light of God’s perfect love revealed in Christ, we pray for the Church throughout the world, that she may remain firmly rooted in truth and charity, bearing courageous witness to the Gospel as Saint Raymond of Peñafort did through wisdom and justice, and as Saint Lucian of Antioch did through fidelity unto death. We pray for all who struggle with fear, doubt, or hardship, that the assurance of Christ’s presence, who comes to us amid the storms of life, may calm their hearts and strengthen their faith. We lift up scholars, teachers, legal professionals, and those entrusted with guiding others, that they may serve with integrity, humility, and love. We also pray for the poor, the afflicted, and those who feel abandoned, that God’s justice and compassion may reach them through our acts of mercy and faithful service.
LET US PRAY:
Loving Father, You are love itself, and You cast out all fear through Your Son, Jesus Christ. As we walk with Him through the storms of life, grant us hearts rooted in trust, courage, and charity. Through the intercession of Saint Raymond of Peñafort and Saint Lucian of Antioch, strengthen us to remain faithful to Your truth, steadfast in love, and bold in witness. May we reflect Your justice, proclaim Your mercy, and live as children of the light You have revealed to the world. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏽
Save Us, Savior of the World. Our Blessed Mother Mary, Saint Raymond of Peñafort, and Saint Lucian of Antioch ~ Pray for us 🙏🏾
Sacred Heart of Jesus, I place all my trust in you. Immaculate Heart of Mary, Pray for us. Amen 🙏🏽
Thanking God for the precious gift of this new day and for His faithful presence throughout the year now completed, we begin this new year in the joy of the of Christmas season, with hearts open to the wondrous mystery of Christ’s birth. As a new year dawns, we pause to reflect with gratitude on all that has been, entrusting our joys and sorrows, successes and shortcomings, into God’s merciful hands. We lift our hearts in thanksgiving for the greatest gift ever given: God Himself, born for us in humble love, bringing light, hope, and salvation to the world.
As we step forward into this new year, may this sacred season invite us to begin again with renewed faith, deeper trust, and a greater openness to God’s grace. May the peace, joy, and hope that flow from the presence of Emmanuel, God-with-us, guide our steps, shape our decisions, and strengthen our resolve to live each day in love and holiness. Alleluia! May God bless all families and loved ones as we welcome the year ahead, and may His light shine brightly in every home. May these last days of the Christmas season be grace-filled and joyful, drawing us ever deeper into the mystery of the Lord’s Incarnation and the quiet assurance of His abiding presence with us throughout the year to come. 🙏🏽
Blessings and Love always, Philomena 💖
Daily Reflections with Philomena | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/
Sir G.L.I Opiepe’s Health and Education Foundation | https://gliopiepehe.org
Sir G.L.I Opiepe’s Health and Education Foundation | Global Missions Now Awards |
https://youtu.be/gB31nuOFx0A?si=mSoZs-wiByhGs
North Texas Catholic Magazine | Dr. Philomena Ikowe – Life on Purpose (pages 44-45) | https://www.flipsnack.com/A9DFE877C6F/north-texas-catholic-magazine-mar-apr-issue-2025/full-view.html
Dr. Philomena Ikowe and Her Joyful Catholic Witness | Lights, Catholic, Action! | Podcast Interview | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/dr-philomena-ikowe-and-her-joyful-catholic-witness/