SATURDAY OF THE FOURTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME
SAINTS OF THE DAY | FEBRUARY 7, 2026 | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saints-of-the-day-feast-day-february-7th/
MEMORIAL OF SAINT RICHARD OF LUCCA, KING; SAINT MOSES THE BLACK, HERMIT AND MARTYR AND BLESSED ROSALIE RENDU, RELIGIOUS
History of the Saints | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/category/saints-of-the-day
Watch “Holy Mass and Holy Rosary | EWTN | February 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-february-7-2026/
FIRST FRIDAYS AND FIRST SATURDAYS DEVOTIONS | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/2025/02/01/first-fridays-and-first-saturdays-devotions/
FIRST FRIDAYS DEVOTION: https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/2025/01/03/first-friday-devotion-to-the-sacred-heart-of-jesus/
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!
Today, the Church observes Saturday of the Fourth Week in Ordinary Time and the First Saturday of the month, a day especially dedicated to reparation and devotion to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, who leads us gently to her Son with purity, humility, and trust. We also commemorate Saint Richard of Lucca, King (patron of pilgrims and families), Saint Moses the Black, Hermit and Martyr (patron of repentance, forgiveness, and Africa), and Blessed Rosalie Rendu, Religious (patroness of social workers, volunteers, and servants of the poor). Their diverse paths to holiness, faithful leadership, radical conversion, and selfless charity, mirror the call of today’s Scripture readings, which invite us to seek true wisdom, to treasure God’s Word in our hearts, and to respond with compassion to those who are weary and searching. United with Our Blessed Mother and the saints of this day, we are called to open our hearts to God’s transforming grace and to serve others with mercy, humility, and love. 🙏🏽
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.
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.
Some elements of the First Fridays Devotion include:
Sacramental Confession: A preparation for the devotion
Holy Communion: Received on the first Friday of each month for nine months in a row
Holy Hour: Spent in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament
Prayer for the Holy Father: A prayer for the intentions of the Holy Father
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: Trusting in Jesus’ promises can bring comfort in times of trial
Forgiveness and Healing: Reparation for sins can bring peace to the heart and renewal in Christ
Final Perseverance: 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 links below 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/
BIBLE READINGS FOR TODAY’S HOLY MASS:
Fourth Week in Ordinary Time | USCCB | https://bible.usccb.org/daily-bible-reading
Today’s Bible Readings: Saturday of the Fourth Week in Ordinary Time | February 7, 2026
Reading 1: 1 Kings 3:4–13
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 119:9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14
Gospel: Mark 6:30–34
Gospel Reading ~ Mark 6:30–34
“His heart was moved with pity for them, for they were like sheep without a shepherd.”
The Apostles gathered together with Jesus and reported all they had done and taught. He said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while.” People were coming and going in great numbers, and they had no opportunity even to eat. So they went off in the boat by themselves to a deserted place. People saw them leaving and many came to know about it. They hastened there on foot from all the towns and arrived at the place before them. When Jesus disembarked and saw the vast crowd, his heart was moved with pity for them, for they were like sheep without a shepherd; and he began to teach them many things.
SCRIPTURE REFLECTIONS
In today’s Gospel, we encounter the tender and compassionate heart of Jesus. After the Apostles return from their mission, Jesus invites them to withdraw and rest, recognizing their need for renewal after laboring for the Gospel. Yet when He sees the great crowd waiting for Him, people searching for meaning, direction, and hope, His compassion outweighs His own desire for rest. Moved with pity, He responds not with frustration but with generous love, choosing to teach them and shepherd them patiently.
This scene reveals Christ as the true Shepherd who never abandons His people. The crowd is described as “sheep without a shepherd,” highlighting their spiritual hunger and vulnerability. Jesus responds by offering them the nourishment they need most: the Word of God. His compassion reminds us that authentic leadership and discipleship flow from love, attentiveness, and self-giving service.
The First Reading presents Solomon at the beginning of his reign, faced with the immense responsibility of leading God’s people. When given the opportunity to ask for anything, Solomon does not seek wealth, power, or long life. Instead, he humbly asks for an understanding heart to discern right from wrong and to govern wisely. His request pleases the Lord, who grants him not only wisdom but also blessings beyond what he asked for. Solomon’s prayer teaches us that true wisdom begins with humility and a desire to serve according to God’s will.
The Responsorial Psalm echoes this longing for divine guidance: “Lord, teach me your statutes.” It expresses a heart eager to walk faithfully in God’s ways, to treasure His Word, and to rejoice in His commands more than in earthly riches. Together with Solomon’s prayer, the psalm reveals that true wisdom is not self-made but learned through attentive listening and obedience to God. A heart formed by God’s Word becomes steady, discerning, and resistant to sin. In a world filled with many voices, the psalm reminds us that remaining close to God’s teachings keeps us grounded in truth and leads us along the path of life.
Taken together, today’s readings invite us to examine the posture of our hearts. Like the crowd in the Gospel, we are often searching for direction and meaning. Like Solomon, we are called to seek wisdom rather than personal gain. And like the psalmist, we are encouraged to delight in God’s Word and allow it to shape our choices. Jesus, the Good Shepherd, continues to look upon us with compassion, teaching us patiently and guiding us toward what truly satisfies.
As we reflect today, let us ask ourselves: Do I make space to rest with the Lord and listen to His voice? What do I ask for when I come before God in prayer? Do I desire wisdom and understanding so that I may live according to His will?
Let us pray: Lord Jesus, Good Shepherd of our souls, look upon us with compassion and guide us in Your truth. Grant us hearts that seek wisdom, delight in Your Word, and remain attentive to Your voice. Teach us to serve with humility, to rest in Your presence, and to walk faithfully in Your ways. May our lives reflect Your love and bring glory to God the Father. Amen. 🙏🏽
SAINTS OF THE DAY | FEBRUARY 7TH:
Link to Saints of the Day with Daily Reflections| February 7th https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com
Direct link to the detailed history of Saint Richard of Lucca, Saint Moses the Black, and Blessed Rosalie Rendu | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saints-of-the-day-feast-day-february-7th/
SAINT RICHARD OF LUCCA, KING: Saint Richard of Lucca (c. 720), also known as Richard the Pilgrim, was a Saxon noble of Wessex who renounced wealth and status to live a life of faith, pilgrimage, and devotion to God. A devoted father, he raised his children in holiness—three of whom became saints—and undertook a missionary pilgrimage with his sons to Rome and the Holy Land. He died during the journey at Lucca in Italy, where he was venerated for his humility, trust in God, and willingness to sacrifice everything for Christ.
PRAYER: Lord God, through the intercession of Saint Richard of Lucca, grant us hearts detached from earthly honors and firmly rooted in faith. Help us to walk faithfully in Your ways and to trust in Your providence all the days of our lives. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏽
SAINT MOSES THE BLACK, HERMIT AND MARTYR: Saint Moses the Black (c. 330–405), once a violent criminal and leader of robbers, became a powerful witness to God’s mercy through radical conversion. Moved by the holiness of desert monks, he renounced his former life, embraced repentance, and grew into a humble and wise spiritual father. Ordained a priest, he taught forgiveness and nonviolence, and ultimately gave his life as a martyr, choosing death rather than returning to violence.
PRAYER: O God of mercy, through the intercession of Saint Moses the Black, grant us the grace of true repentance, humble hearts, and a spirit of forgiveness. May we never doubt Your power to transform lives through love and mercy. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏽
BLESSED ROSALIE RENDU, RELIGIOUS: Blessed Rosalie Rendu (1786–1856) was a Daughter of Charity who dedicated her life to serving the poor, the sick, and the forgotten in revolutionary France. Through tireless works of mercy, she founded schools, clinics, and shelters, cared for the wounded during unrest, and inspired charitable movements such as the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul. Her life was a living testimony to faith expressed through loving service.
PRAYER: Lord God, through the intercession of Blessed Rosalie Rendu, inspire us to serve You in the poor with generosity and compassion. Grant us hearts attentive to suffering and willing to love without counting the cost. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏽
Our Blessed Mother Mary, Saint Richard of Lucca, Saint Moses the Black, and Blessed Rosalie Rendu — pray for us. 🙏🏽
PRAYER INTENTION FOR THE DAY: FOR CONVERSION, WISDOM, AND CHARITY IN CHRISTIAN LIFE
Through the intercession of Saint Richard of Lucca, King (patron of pilgrims and families), Saint Moses the Black, Hermit and Martyr (patron of repentance, forgiveness, and Africa), and Blessed Rosalie Rendu, Religious (patroness of social workers, volunteers, and servants of the poor), let us pray for hearts open to God’s transforming grace. May those called to leadership and responsibility seek wisdom and humility like Saint Richard, choosing faithfulness over worldly comfort. May sinners, the broken, and those burdened by past mistakes find hope in the radical conversion and mercy witnessed in the life of Saint Moses the Black. May all who serve the poor, the sick, and the marginalized be strengthened in love, compassion, and perseverance through the example of Blessed Rosalie Rendu. United with their witness, may we grow in wisdom, repentance, and self-giving charity, allowing God to shape our lives according to His will. 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 Richard of Lucca, Saint Moses the Black, and Blessed Rosalie Rendu ~ 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/
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