MEMORIAL OF SAINT JOSEPHINE BAKHITA, VIRGIN AND SAINT JEROME EMILIANI, PRIEST AND FOUNDER: FEAST DAY ~ FEBRUARY 8TH 2026

FIFTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

SAINTS OF THE DAY | FEBRUARY 8, 2026 | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saints-of-the-day-feast-day-february-8th/

MEMORIAL OF SAINT JOSEPHINE BAKHITA, VIRGIN AND SAINT JEROME EMILIANI, PRIEST AND FOUNDER

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

Watch “Holy Mass and Holy Rosary | EWTN | February 8, 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-8-2026/

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 celebrate the Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time, the Word of God calls us to live a faith that is visible, compassionate, and rooted in love. In today’s Gospel, Jesus reminds us that we are the salt of the earth and the light of the world, called not to hide our faith but to allow it to shine through works of mercy and justice. This call is echoed in the First Reading from Isaiah, where true worship is revealed through care for the hungry, the poor, and the oppressed. On this day, we also honor the Memorial of Saint Josephine Bakhita, Virgin, and Saint Jerome Emiliani, Priest and Founder, whose lives embodied this Gospel message in powerful ways, one transforming the wounds of slavery into forgiveness and freedom, the other devoting his life to orphaned and abandoned children. United by their witness, today’s celebration invites us to reflect on how our faith becomes light for others when expressed through humility, service, and love rooted in Christ.

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: Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time | February 8, 2026
Reading 1: Isaiah 58:7–10
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 112:4–5, 6–7, 8–9
Reading 2: 1 Corinthians 2:1–5
Gospel: Matthew 5:13–16

Gospel Reading ~ Matthew 5:13–16

“You are the salt of the earth… You are the light of the world.”

Jesus said to his disciples: “You are the salt of the earth. But if salt loses its taste, with what can it be seasoned? It is no longer good for anything but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. You are the light of the world. A city set on a mountain cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and then put it under a bushel basket; it is set on a lampstand, where it gives light to all in the house. Just so, your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father.”

SCRIPTURE REFLECTIONS

In today’s Gospel, Jesus uses two common but essential elements—salt and light—to describe the identity and mission of His followers. He does not say we should be salt or light; He says we are. This is a profound call to authenticity. Salt preserves and enhances flavor, but it is only effective when it remains pure. Light dispels darkness, but it is only useful when it is visible. Jesus warns us against “losing our taste” or hiding our light, reminding us that our faith is not a private treasure but a public gift intended to transform the world.

The First Reading from Isaiah provides the “how-to” for this mission. Being “light” is not about self-promotion or eloquence; it is about justice and mercy. Isaiah explicitly links our spiritual “light breaking forth like the dawn” to our treatment of the marginalized: sharing bread with the hungry, sheltering the homeless, and clothing the naked. When we remove oppression and malicious speech from our midst, our “gloom shall become like midday.” Our light shines brightest not through our words, but through our hands reaching out to those in need.

The Responsorial Psalm reinforces this by describing the “just man” as a light in the darkness. This person is not fearless because of their own strength, but because their heart is “firm, trusting in the Lord.” By giving lavishly to the poor and conducting affairs with justice, the just person becomes a beacon for others, showing that a life built on God’s law leads to an “everlasting remembrance” and a steadfast heart.

In the Second Reading, St. Paul humbles any temptation we might have toward spiritual pride. He admits to coming to the Corinthians in “weakness and fear and much trembling.” Paul didn’t rely on “persuasive words of wisdom” but on the “demonstration of Spirit and power.” This ties back to the Gospel: the light we shine is not our own, it is the light of Christ reflecting through us. When we act in weakness but with great love, the power of God becomes more evident to those around us.

Taken together, today’s readings challenge us to step out of the shadows. We are called to be a “city set on a mountain,” visible through our “good deeds.” These deeds—acts of charity, words of truth, and lives of justice, are what season the world and keep it from falling into the decay of indifference. We don’t shine so that people will praise us, but so that they will see the source of the light and “glorify your heavenly Father.”

As we reflect today, let us ask ourselves: Is my faith “salty” enough to make others thirst for God? Am I hiding my light behind a “bushel basket” of fear or social convenience? How can I practically “share my bread” or “remove malicious speech” this week to let God’s light rise in the darkness?

Let us pray: Lord Jesus, You have called us to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world. Purify our hearts so that we do not lose our flavor through compromise or sin. Give us the courage to shine our light through acts of justice and mercy, especially toward the afflicted. May our lives be a humble demonstration of Your Spirit and power, leading all we encounter to glorify the Father. Amen. 🙏🏽

SAINTS OF THE DAY | FEBRUARY 8TH:

Link to Saints of the Day with Daily Reflections| February 8th https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com

Direct link to the detailed history of Saint Josephine Bakhita, and Saint Jerome Emiliani | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saints-of-the-day-feast-day-february-8th/

SAINT JOSEPHINE BAKHITA, VIRGIN: Saint Josephine Bakhita (1869–1947) was a Sudanese woman who endured the horrors of slavery before finding freedom in Christ. Kidnapped as a child and sold multiple times, she suffered great cruelty yet never lost her capacity for hope. After arriving in Italy, she encountered the Catholic faith, was declared legally free, and eventually entered the Canossian Sisters. Known for her gentleness, joy, and deep forgiveness—even toward her captors—she became a powerful witness to Christ’s redeeming love. She is the patron saint of Sudan and of victims of human trafficking, and her feast day is observed as the International Day of Prayer to Stop Human Trafficking.

PRAYER: O God, who led Saint Josephine Bakhita from slavery to the freedom of Your children, grant us hearts that forgive, hope, and love as she did. Through her intercession, protect all victims of human trafficking and restore dignity to the oppressed. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏽

SAINT JEROME EMILIANI, PRIEST AND FOUNDER: Saint Jerome Emiliani (1481–1537) was a Venetian soldier whose life was transformed after imprisonment and a profound conversion to Christ. Ordained a priest, he dedicated himself entirely to serving the poor, especially orphans and abandoned children. He founded orphanages, hospitals, and shelters throughout Italy and established the Clerks Regular of Somascha to continue this mission of charity and education. Consumed by love for the suffering, he eventually died after contracting an illness while caring for plague victims. He is the patron saint of orphans and abandoned children.

PRAYER: God of compassion, through the intercession of Saint Jerome Emiliani, help us to see Christ in the poor, the orphaned, and the forgotten. Give us generous hearts that protect, serve, and uplift the most vulnerable among us. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏽

Our Blessed Mother Mary, Saint Josephine Bakhita, and Saint Jerome Emiliani — pray for us. 🙏🏽

PRAYER INTENTION FOR THE DAY: FOR FREEDOM, DIGNITY, AND COMPASSION FOR THE VULNERABLE

Through the intercession of Saint Josephine Bakhita, Virgin (patron saint of Sudan and survivors of human trafficking), and Saint Jerome Emiliani, Priest and Founder (patron saint of orphans and abandoned children), let us pray for all who suffer from exploitation, abandonment, and injustice. May victims of human trafficking find freedom, healing, and restored dignity through the gentle yet powerful witness of Saint Josephine Bakhita, who transformed suffering into forgiveness and hope. May orphaned and neglected children experience protection, love, and belonging, inspired by the tireless charity of Saint Jerome Emiliani, who devoted his life to caring for the most vulnerable. United with their example, may the Church remain steadfast in defending human dignity and responding to suffering with mercy, courage, and selfless love. 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 Josephine Bakhita, and Saint Jerome Emiliani ~ 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/