MEMORIAL OF SAINT JOSEPH OF LEONESSA, PRIEST; SAINT JOAN OF VALOIS, QUEEN OF FRANCE AND SAINT ANDREW CORSINI, BISHOP OF FIESOLE: FEAST DAY ~ FEBRUARY 4TH 2026

WEDNESDAY OF THE FOURTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

SAINTS OF THE DAY | FEBRUARY 4, 2026 | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saints-of-the-day-feast-day-february-4th/

MEMORIAL OF SAINT JOSEPH OF LEONESSA, PRIEST; SAINT JOAN OF VALOIS, QUEEN OF FRANCE AND SAINT ANDREW CORSINI, BISHOP OF FIESOLE

History of the Saints | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/category/saints-of-the-day

Watch “Holy Mass and Holy Rosary | EWTN | February 4, 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-february-4-2026/

NOVENA IN HONOR OF OUR LADY OF LOURDES [Novena Starts: February 2nd; Feastday: February 11th] https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/novena-to-our-lady-of-lourdes/

Greetings and blessings, beloved family!

As we journey through Wednesday of the Fourth Week in Ordinary Time, the Church invites us to reflect on the themes of repentance, humility, and faithful perseverance. Today’s Scriptures confront us with the weight of human weakness and the depth of God’s mercy, as King David acknowledges his sin and entrusts himself entirely to the compassion of the Lord, while the Gospel reveals Jesus being rejected by those who knew Him best because of their lack of faith. Alongside these readings, we commemorate Saint Joseph of Leonessa, Priest (Patron of Franciscan missions and the poor), Saint Joan of Valois, Queen of France (Patron of those in difficult circumstances), and Saint Andrew Corsini, Bishop of Fiesole (Patron against civil disorder and riots)—saints who, in very different circumstances, embraced suffering, rejection, and personal sacrifice with humility and unwavering trust in God. Their lives remind us that holiness is often forged through obedience, repentance, and perseverance, even when faith is tested and misunderstood.

Thanking God for the precious gift of this new day and for His faithful presence as we begin the month of February, we come before Him with hearts open to His continual guidance and grace. This month, traditionally dedicated to the Passion of Our Lord, invites us to turn our gaze toward the mystery of Christ’s suffering and self-giving love, offered for the redemption of mankind. As we begin to meditate on His Passion in anticipation of the sacred season of Lent, may the witness of the saints who held a deep devotion to Christ’s suffering, such as Saint Francis of Assisi, Saint John of the Cross, Saint Bridget of Sweden, and Saint Catherine of Siena inspire us to embrace each day with holiness, humility, and love. Through this devotion, may our hearts grow more attentive to the depth of Christ’s sacrifice and more responsive to His call to follow Him faithfully in our daily lives. We lift our hearts in thanksgiving for the greatest gift ever given: God Himself, present with us each day, bringing light, hope, and salvation into our lives and into the world.

BIBLE READINGS FOR TODAY’S HOLY MASS:

Fourth Week in Ordinary Time | USCCB | https://bible.usccb.org/daily-bible-reading

Today’s Bible Readings: Wednesday of the Fourth Week in Ordinary Time | February 4, 2026
Reading 1: 2 Samuel 24:2, 9–17
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 32:1–2, 5, 6, 7
Gospel: Mark 6:1–6

Gospel Reading ~ Mark 6:1–6

“A prophet is not without honor except in his native place and among his own kin and in his own house.”

Jesus departed from there and came to his native place, accompanied by his disciples. When the sabbath came, he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were astonished. They said, “Where did this man get all this? What kind of wisdom has been given him? What mighty deeds are wrought by his hands! Is he not the carpenter, the son of Mary, and the brother of James and Joseph and Judas and Simon? And are not his sisters here with us?” And they took offense at him. Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his native place and among his own kin and in his own house.” So he was not able to perform any mighty deed there, apart from curing a few sick people by laying his hands on them. He was amazed at their lack of faith.

SCRIPTURE REFLECTIONS

Today’s Gospel confronts us with a sobering reality: familiarity can become a barrier to faith. The people of Nazareth hear Jesus speak with wisdom and authority, yet instead of opening their hearts, they allow their assumptions to close them. Because they believe they already “know” Him, they refuse to recognize who He truly is. Their unbelief limits what Jesus is able to do among them, revealing that God’s saving power is often resisted not by hostility, but by hardened familiarity.

Jesus’ amazement at their lack of faith invites us to examine our own hearts. How often do we grow accustomed to God’s presence in our lives and begin to take Him for granted? When faith is reduced to routine, we may miss the movement of grace right before us. The Gospel reminds us that openness, humility, and trust are essential for encountering God’s transforming power.

The First Reading presents King David facing the consequences of his own pride and poor judgment. By numbering the people, David places his trust in human strength rather than in God. Yet when confronted with his sin, he responds with deep remorse and humility, choosing to fall into the merciful hands of God rather than rely on human solutions. His repentance teaches us that even grave mistakes can become moments of grace when we turn back to the Lord with sincerity.

The Responsorial Psalm echoes this spirit of repentance and mercy: “Lord, forgive the wrong I have done.” It assures us that God does not reject the contrite heart. Instead, He becomes a shelter, a refuge, and a source of freedom for those who honestly acknowledge their sins and depend on His mercy.

Together, today’s readings draw a powerful contrast between resistance and surrender. While the people of Nazareth close themselves off through unbelief, David opens himself to God through repentance. One resists grace; the other receives mercy. Both choices remind us that our response to God determines how deeply His grace can work within us.

As we reflect today, let us ask ourselves: Have I grown too familiar with God to truly listen to Him? Where do pride, fear, or complacency block my faith? Am I willing to trust God’s mercy rather than my own strength? May we learn to welcome Christ with open hearts, to repent with humility, and to allow God’s grace to transform us anew.

Lord God, You are rich in mercy and slow to anger. Forgive us when we close our hearts through pride or unbelief. Help us to trust in Your voice, to recognize Your presence in our daily lives, and to surrender ourselves fully into Your merciful hands. Renew our faith, cleanse our hearts, and lead us in the path of life. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏽

SAINTS OF THE DAY | FEBRUARY 4TH:

Link to Saints of the Day with Daily Reflections| February 4th https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com

Direct link to the detailed history of Saint Joseph of Leonessa, Saint Joan of Valois, and Saint Andrew Corsini | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saints-of-the-day-feast-day-february-4th/

SAINT JOSEPH OF LEONESSA, PRIEST: Saint Joseph of Leonessa (1556–1612), born Eufranio Desideri in Umbria, Italy, was a Capuchin Franciscan priest renowned for his fearless preaching, deep prayer life, and heroic charity. Drawn to religious life by the witness of holy men, he overcame family opposition to join the Capuchin Order, receiving the name Joseph. Ordained a priest, he devoted himself tirelessly to preaching the Gospel in remote and mountainous regions of Italy, relying not on eloquence alone but on an intense interior life nourished by constant prayer and meditation on the Cross. His missionary zeal led him to Constantinople, where he served as chaplain to thousands of Christian slaves suffering harsh conditions. There, Saint Joseph ministered with extraordinary compassion, offering spiritual comfort, material aid, and even proposing himself as a substitute for dying prisoners. During a violent persecution, he was arrested and cruelly tortured for defending the freedom of conscience of converts to the Christian faith. Though left near death, he survived and returned to Italy, where he continued catechizing the poor and uneducated with tireless love. He died on February 4, 1612, repeating his favorite prayer to the Blessed Virgin. Canonized in 1746, Saint Joseph of Leonessa remains a powerful witness to sacrificial love and unwavering trust in God.

PRAYER: O God, You filled Saint Joseph of Leonessa with apostolic zeal and deep love for the Cross. Through his intercession, grant us courage to proclaim the Gospel, compassion for the suffering, and perseverance in faith amid trials. May we serve You with humble and generous hearts. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏽

SAINT JOAN OF VALOIS, QUEEN OF FRANCE: Saint Joan of Valois (1464–1505), Queen of France, was a woman of profound humility, patience, and devotion to God amid a life marked by suffering and rejection. Born the daughter of King Louis XI, she was neglected from childhood due to physical frailty and later forced into a political marriage that brought her humiliation and sorrow. Despite cruelty and public rejection from her husband, Joan remained steadfast in faith, responding to injustice not with bitterness but with charity and trust in God’s will. When her marriage was annulled so her husband could remarry, Saint Joan accepted the decision with serenity, offering her suffering in imitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Free from royal obligations, she founded the Order of the Annunciation, dedicated to living and promoting the virtues of Mary as revealed in the Gospels. Her life became a quiet testimony that holiness is forged not in power or success, but in faithful endurance and love. She died in 1505 at the age of forty-one and was canonized in 1950. Saint Joan’s witness continues to console those who suffer silently and seek beauty of soul amid hardship.

PRAYER: Lord God, You adorned Saint Joan of Valois with patience, humility, and deep trust in Your will. Through her intercession, strengthen all who endure suffering, rejection, or difficult circumstances. Grant them hope, perseverance, and peace of heart, that they may find joy in loving You faithfully. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏽

SAINT ANDREW CORSINI, BISHOP OF FIESOLE: Saint Andrew Corsini (1302–1373) was a Carmelite friar and Bishop of Fiesole who became a powerful instrument of peace and conversion in a time of deep political and social unrest. Born into a noble Florentine family, his early life was marked by worldliness until a moment of repentance led him to embrace religious life with great fervor. Entering the Carmelite Order, he devoted himself to prayer, penance, and study, eventually becoming a priest and a gifted preacher. Despite his desire for a hidden life, Andrew was appointed Bishop of Fiesole, where he distinguished himself by humility, love for the poor, and tireless efforts to reconcile hostile factions. Known for miracles, spiritual wisdom, and gentle authority, he worked tirelessly to restore unity within the Church and society. A man of deep penitence and Marian devotion, he lived simply and served generously until his death on January 6, 1373. Canonized in 1629, Saint Andrew Corsini remains a model of repentance, pastoral charity, and peacemaking.

PRAYER: O God, You transformed Saint Andrew Corsini from sin to holiness and made him a shepherd of peace and mercy. Through his intercession, grant us repentant hearts, love for reconciliation, and a spirit of humility. May we become instruments of Your peace in a divided world. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏽

Our Blessed Mother Mary, Saint Joseph of Leonessa, Saint Joan of Valois, and Saint Andrew Corsini — pray for us. 🙏🏽

PRAYER INTENTION FOR THE DAY: FOR TRUE REPENTANCE AND COURAGEOUS FAITH

Through the intercession of Saint Joseph of Leonessa, Priest (Patron of Franciscan missions and the poor), let us pray for hearts that are truly repentant and deeply rooted in trust in God’s mercy. As today’s readings reveal King David’s sorrow for sin and Jesus’ rejection in His own hometown, we ask the Lord to free us from pride, self-reliance, and fear that hinder our faith. May those who struggle to acknowledge their faults be granted humility to turn back to God, and may those discouraged by rejection, misunderstanding, or failure find strength to persevere in fidelity to Christ. Inspired by Saint Joseph of Leonessa’s fearless witness, sacrificial love, and unwavering commitment to the Gospel, may we choose God’s mercy over human judgment and live with courage, obedience, and wholehearted trust in the Lord. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏽

PRAYER FOR PEACE | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/a-prayer-for-peace/

THE POPE’S MONTHLY INTENTIONS FOR 2026: FOR THE MONTH OF FEBRUARY: For children with incurable diseases. Let us pray that children suffering from incurable diseases and their families receive the necessary medical care and support, never losing strength and hope.

(https://popesprayerusa.net/popes-intentions/)

DEVOTION OF THE MONTH OF FEBRUARY: MONTH OF THE PASSION OF OUR LORD: The month of February is traditionally dedicated to the Passion of Our Lord in anticipation of the liturgical season of Lent. In this month, we begin to meditate on the mystery of Jesus’ sufferings which culminated in his death on the Cross for the redemption of mankind. Saints who had a special devotion to Christ’s passion include St. Francis of Assisi, who was the first known saint to receive the stigmata; St. John of the Cross; St. Bridget of Sweden; and St. Catherine of Siena.

https://www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/calendar/month.cfm?y=2026&m=2

PRAYER FOR THE DEAD
We pray for the repose of the gentle souls of our loved ones and souls of all the faithful departed. 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 🙏🏽

As we step forward into this new month, may this Ordinary Time invite us to begin again with renewed faith, deeper trust, and a greater openness to God’s grace. May the peace, hope, and steady guidance that flow from walking daily with Christ shape our steps, inform our decisions, and strengthen our resolve to live each day in love and holiness. As we journey onward, may God bless our families and loved ones, and may His light continue to shine brightly in every home. May the days of this new month be grace-filled and purposeful, drawing us ever deeper into a lived relationship with the Lord and the quiet assurance of His abiding presence with us always. 🙏🏽

Save Us, Savior of the World. Our Blessed Mother Mary, Saint Joseph of Leonessa, Saint Joan of Valois, and Saint Andrew Corsini ~ Pray for us 🙏🏾

Sacred Heart of Jesus, I place all my trust in you. Jesus, I trust in you! Immaculate Heart of Mary, Pray for us. Amen 🙏🏽

Blessings and Love always, Philomena 💖

DEVOTIONAL RESOURCES

A Guide to Catholic Prayer & Faith Resources: Prayers, Devotions, Teachings, and the Liturgical Year | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/catholic-prayer-faith-resources/

Catholic Mission & Witness: Foundations, Media Features, Global Outreach and Podcast Interview| https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/catholic-mission-witness-foundations-media-features-and-global-outreach/