MEMORIAL OF SAINT AGATHA, VIRGIN AND MARTYR: FEAST DAY ~ FEBRUARY 5TH 2026

THURSDAY OF THE FOURTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

SAINTS OF THE DAY | FEBRUARY 5, 2026 | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saints-of-the-day-feast-day-february-5th/

MEMORIAL OF SAINT AGATHA, VIRGIN AND MARTYR

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

Watch “Holy Mass and Holy Rosary | EWTN | February 5, 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-5-2026/

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!

Today, as we journey through Thursday of the Fourth Week in Ordinary Time, the Church commemorates the Memorial of Saint Agatha, Virgin and Martyr (patroness of those suffering persecution, natural disasters, and diseases of the breast), a courageous witness to Christ whose fidelity remained unbroken even in the face of suffering and death. As we honor her heroic purity and steadfast faith, today’s readings invite us to reflect on the call to walk faithfully before the Lord and to trust fully in His authority and providence. King David’s final exhortation reminds us that obedience to God brings lasting blessing, while the Gospel shows Jesus sending His disciples forth with simplicity, courage, and reliance on God alone. United with Saint Agatha, we are called to stand firm in our faith and to proclaim the Kingdom of God with integrity, humility, and unwavering trust in the Lord.

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: Memorial of Saint Agatha, Virgin and Martyr | February 5, 2026
Reading 1: 1 Kings 2:1–4, 10–12
Responsorial Psalm: 1 Chronicles 29:10, 11ab, 11d–12a, 12bcd
Gospel: Mark 6:7–13

Gospel Reading ~ Mark 6:7–13

“They went off and preached repentance.”

Jesus summoned the Twelve and began to send them out two by two and gave them authority over unclean spirits. He instructed them to take nothing for the journey but a walking stick –no food, no sack, no money in their belts. They were, however, to wear sandals but not a second tunic. He said to them, “Wherever you enter a house, stay there until you leave from there. Whatever place does not welcome you or listen to you, leave there and shake the dust off your feet in testimony against them.” So they went off and preached repentance. The Twelve drove out many demons, and they anointed with oil many who were sick and cured them.

SCRIPTURE REFLECTIONS

Today’s Gospel reveals the heart of Christian discipleship: being sent by Christ and trusting completely in His provision. Jesus sends the Twelve out not with material security, but with spiritual authority. By instructing them to carry very little, He teaches them to rely not on possessions or personal strength, but on God alone. Their mission is clear and urgent—to preach repentance, to heal, and to bring freedom to those bound by evil. The power they carry does not come from themselves, but from their closeness to Jesus and obedience to His command.

This Gospel also teaches us about rejection and perseverance. Jesus prepares His disciples for the reality that not everyone will welcome the message of the Gospel. Rather than discouragement or resentment, He calls them to peace and detachment—shaking the dust from their feet and moving forward. The success of the mission does not depend on human approval, but on faithfulness to God’s call. What matters most is obedience, trust, and courage to continue proclaiming the truth.

In the First Reading, King David, nearing the end of his life, entrusts the future of Israel to his son Solomon. His final instruction is not about power, wealth, or military strength, but about faithfulness to the Lord. David urges Solomon to walk in God’s ways, to keep His commandments, and to remain loyal with his whole heart and soul. This passage reminds us that lasting leadership and true success flow from obedience to God, not from human ambition.

The Responsorial Psalm lifts our eyes to the source of all authority and strength: “Lord, you are exalted over all.” It proclaims that power, glory, riches, and honor belong to God alone. This praise places human mission and leadership in proper perspective—everything we have and everything we accomplish comes from the Lord and must return to Him in thanksgiving.

Together, today’s readings call us to faithful obedience, humble trust, and courageous witness. Like the Twelve, we are sent into the world to live and proclaim the Gospel, relying not on ourselves but on God’s grace. Like Solomon, we are reminded that our choices today shape the legacy of our faith tomorrow.

As we reflect today, let us ask ourselves: Am I willing to trust God without clinging to false securities? How do I respond when my faith is misunderstood or rejected? Do my daily choices reflect obedience to God’s will? May we learn to walk lightly, live faithfully, and proclaim Christ with courage wherever He sends us.

Let us pray: Lord Jesus Christ, You send us forth to proclaim repentance and healing in Your name. Teach us to trust in Your providence, to remain faithful amid rejection, and to rely on Your grace rather than our own strength. Strengthen our hearts for mission and lead us always in obedience to the Father’s will. Amen. 🙏🏽

SAINTS OF THE DAY | FEBRUARY 5TH:

Link to Saints of the Day with Daily Reflections| February 5th https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com

Direct link to the detailed history of Saint Agatha | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saints-of-the-day-feast-day-february-5th/

SAINT AGATHA, VIRGIN AND MARTYR: Saint Agatha was a noble Sicilian virgin of the third century who consecrated her life entirely to Christ at a young age. Though born into wealth and status, she chose spiritual riches over worldly comfort, resolving to remain faithful to Christ alone. When a powerful Roman official sought to force her into marriage and later attempted to break her resolve through intimidation and imprisonment, Agatha remained steadfast in her commitment to purity and faith. Despite intense suffering and persecution during the Decian persecution, she refused to renounce Christ or compromise her dignity. Strengthened by prayer and divine grace, Saint Agatha endured her trials with remarkable courage and trust in God. Even in her final moments, she offered her life as a prayer of thanksgiving, confident that her suffering was united to Christ’s victory. Her martyrdom became a powerful testimony to the strength of faith, the sanctity of the human person, and the triumph of divine love over violence and injustice. After her death, devotion to Saint Agatha spread rapidly, especially in her native city of Catania, where she has long been invoked as a protector against natural disasters. Her name remains honored in the Roman Canon of the Mass, a lasting witness to her place among the Church’s great martyrs.

PRAYER: Lord God, You crowned Saint Agatha with the glory of martyrdom for her steadfast faith and purity of heart. Through her intercession, grant us the grace to remain faithful in times of trial, courageous in the face of injustice, and steadfast in our love for Christ. Strengthen all who suffer persecution, violence, or fear, and help us to trust always in Your saving power. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏽

Our Blessed Mother Mary, and Saint Agatha — pray for us. 🙏🏽

PRAYER INTENTION FOR THE DAY: FOR PURITY, HEALING, AND COURAGE IN SUFFERING

Through the intercession of Saint Agatha, Virgin and Martyr (Patroness of rape victims, women who suffer abuse, those battling breast diseases, nurses, and all who endure violence and injustice), let us pray for purity of heart, strength in trials, and healing for all who suffer in body, mind, and spirit. May those who have been wounded by abuse, exploitation, or cruelty find comfort, dignity, and restoration through God’s merciful love. May women facing illness, especially diseases of the breast, experience healing, peace, and hope. Inspired by Saint Agatha’s unwavering fidelity to Christ, courageous defense of her dignity, and victorious endurance in suffering, may we remain steadfast in faith, choose holiness over compromise, and trust in God’s saving power even in the midst of pain. 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, and Saint Agatha ~ 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/