MEMORIAL OF SAINT BLAISE, BISHOP AND MARTYR AND SAINT ANSGAR, BISHOP – FEAST DAY ~ FEBRUARY 3RD 2026

TUESDAY OF THE FOURTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

SAINTS OF THE DAY | FEBRUARY 3, 2026 | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saints-of-the-day-feast-day-february-3rd/

MEMORIAL OF SAINT BLAISE, BISHOP AND MARTYR AND SAINT ANSGAR, BISHOP

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

Watch “Holy Mass and Holy Rosary | EWTN | February 3, 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-3-2026/

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 enter Tuesday of the Fourth Week in Ordinary Time, the Church invites us to reflect on the power of faith that trusts God even in moments of suffering, loss, and uncertainty. Today’s Scriptures reveal both the pain of human weakness and the healing mercy of Christ, who responds to faith with compassion and life-giving grace. In the Gospel, Jesus restores life and hope to those who approach Him with unwavering trust, while the Psalm echoes a heartfelt cry for God’s mercy and protection. United with this message are the lives of Saint Blaise (patron of throat ailments and physicians), who courageously bore witness to Christ through martyrdom, and Saint Ansgar (patron of missionaries and Scandinavia), who persevered in spreading the Gospel despite hardship and opposition. Together, today’s readings and saints remind us that faith, when rooted in trust and perseverance, draws us closer to the saving power of God.

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: Tuesday of the Fourth Week in Ordinary Time | February 3, 2026
Reading 1: 2 Samuel 18:9–10, 14b, 24–25a, 30—19:3
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 86:1–2, 3–4, 5–6
Gospel: Mark 5:21–43

Gospel Reading ~ Mark 5:21–43

“Daughter, your faith has saved you. Go in peace and be cured of your affliction.”

When Jesus had crossed again in the boat to the other side, a large crowd gathered around him, and he stayed close to the sea. One of the synagogue officials, named Jairus, came forward. Seeing him he fell at his feet and pleaded earnestly with him, saying, “My daughter is at the point of death. Please, come lay your hands on her that she may get well and live.” He went off with him and a large crowd followed him. There was a woman afflicted with hemorrhages for twelve years. She had suffered greatly at the hands of many doctors and had spent all that she had. Yet she was not helped but only grew worse. She had heard about Jesus and came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak. She said, “If I but touch his clothes, I shall be cured.” Immediately her flow of blood dried up. She felt in her body that she was healed of her affliction. Jesus, aware at once that power had gone out from him, turned around in the crowd and asked, “Who has touched my clothes?” But his disciples said to him, “You see how the crowd is pressing upon you, and yet you ask, Who touched me?” And he looked around to see who had done it. The woman, realizing what had happened to her, approached in fear and trembling. She fell down before Jesus and told him the whole truth. He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has saved you. Go in peace and be cured of your affliction.” While he was still speaking, people from the synagogue official’s house arrived and said, “Your daughter has died; why trouble the teacher any longer?” Disregarding the message that was reported, Jesus said to the synagogue official, “Do not be afraid; just have faith.” He did not allow anyone to accompany him inside except Peter, James, and John, the brother of James. When they arrived at the house of the synagogue official, he caught sight of a commotion, people weeping and wailing loudly. So he went in and said to them, “Why this commotion and weeping? The child is not dead but asleep.” And they ridiculed him. Then he put them all out. He took along the child’s father and mother
and those who were with him and entered the room where the child was. He took the child by the hand and said to her, “Talitha koum,” which means, “Little girl, I say to you, arise!” The girl, a child of twelve, arose immediately and walked around. At that they were utterly astounded. He gave strict orders that no one should know this and said that she should be given something to eat.

SCRIPTURE REFLECTIONS:

Today’s Gospel presents two deeply human stories of suffering, hope, and faith woven together by the compassionate presence of Jesus. Jairus, a respected synagogue official, and the unnamed woman afflicted with hemorrhages both come to Jesus carrying burdens beyond their strength. Though their social status and circumstances differ greatly, they are united by one thing: desperate trust in Christ. Jairus publicly humbles himself before Jesus for the sake of his child, while the woman quietly reaches out in faith from the margins. Their encounters remind us that faith is not measured by position or visibility, but by a heart that dares to hope in God.

The woman’s healing reveals the power of faith that reaches out, even timidly, to the Lord. After twelve years of suffering, exclusion, and disappointment, she believes that a single touch will be enough. Jesus’ response is deeply personal: He stops, seeks her out, and restores not only her body but her dignity, calling her “Daughter.” Her healing teaches us that Christ is attentive to hidden pain and that no suffering goes unnoticed by God. Faith opens the door for His saving power to enter even the most wounded places of our lives. Jairus’ story unfolds alongside this miracle and leads us deeper into the mystery of trust. When the message arrives that his daughter has died, hope seems lost. Yet Jesus speaks words that echo through every moment of despair: “Do not be afraid; just have faith.” What appears final to human eyes is not final to God. By raising the child from death, Jesus reveals His authority over life itself and invites us to believe that no situation is beyond His power to restore.

The First Reading from the Second Book of Samuel presents a striking contrast to the Gospel. King David mourns bitterly over the death of his son Absalom, crying out in grief and regret. His lament exposes the depth of a father’s love but also the pain of broken relationships and the consequences of rebellion. David’s sorrow reminds us that even great victories can be overshadowed by unresolved wounds. Human love, though sincere, cannot undo death or heal every loss.

The Responsorial Psalm becomes the cry of a heart in distress: “Listen, Lord, and answer me.” It expresses complete dependence on God in moments of affliction, fear, and need. Unlike David’s grief, which ends in mourning, the psalm directs sorrow toward God, trusting in His mercy, goodness, and readiness to respond. It teaches us where to turn when our hearts are overwhelmed.

Together, today’s readings invite us to bring every fear, wound, and loss to Jesus. Where human strength fails, faith opens the way for divine action. Christ meets us in our desperation, calls us by name, and restores life where hope seems extinguished. He invites us to trust not in appearances, but in His word.

As we reflect today, let us ask ourselves: Where do I need to reach out to Jesus in faith? What fears am I allowing to silence my trust in Him? Do I believe that Christ can bring life even out of situations that seem final? May we learn from Jairus and the healed woman to approach the Lord with humility, perseverance, and unwavering faith.

Lord Jesus Christ, You are the healer of the sick and the giver of life. Strengthen our faith when fear overwhelms us, and help us to trust in Your saving power even when hope seems lost. Touch our wounds, restore what is broken, and lead us from sorrow into peace. We place our lives in Your hands, confident that nothing is impossible for You. Amen. 🙏🏽

SAINTS OF THE DAY | FEBRUARY 3RD:

Link to Saints of the Day with Daily Reflections| February 3rd https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com

Direct link to the detailed history of Saint Blaise, and Saint Ansgar | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saints-of-the-day-feast-day-february-3rd/

SAINT BLAISE, BISHOP AND MARTYR: Saint Blaise (d. c. 316 A.D.) was a fourth-century bishop of Sebaste in Armenia and a courageous martyr of the early Church. Trained as a physician before his ordination, he devoted both his medical skill and his priestly ministry to the healing of bodies and souls. During a fierce persecution of Christians, Saint Blaise withdrew to a cave in the mountains, where he lived a life of prayer and asceticism. There, according to tradition, wild animals gathered peacefully around him, and the sick came seeking healing. Eventually discovered and arrested, he continued to minister even in prison, most notably healing a young boy who was choking on a fish bone—an event that gave rise to his enduring patronage of those suffering from ailments of the throat. Refusing to renounce his faith, Saint Blaise endured severe torture and was ultimately beheaded for Christ. He is venerated as one of the Fourteen Holy Helpers and remains a powerful intercessor for the sick, especially those afflicted with throat illnesses.

PRAYER: Lord God, You crowned Saint Blaise with the grace of healing and the glory of martyrdom. Through his intercession, protect us from sickness of body and soul, strengthen us in faith during trials, and lead us safely to eternal life. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏽

SAINT ANSGAR, BISHOP: Saint Ansgar (801–865), known as the “Apostle of the North,” was a ninth-century missionary bishop who dedicated his life to bringing the Gospel to the peoples of Scandinavia. Born into a noble Frankish family, he entered monastic life at a young age and was deeply shaped by prayer, study, and missionary zeal. Sent first to Denmark and later to Sweden, Saint Ansgar labored tirelessly to preach Christ in regions still largely pagan, founding churches and nurturing small Christian communities amid hardship, resistance, and repeated setbacks. Appointed Archbishop of Hamburg-Bremen, he bore the responsibility for evangelizing Northern Europe, often facing destruction of his missions, loss of resources, and apparent failure. Yet he persevered with humility, charity, and unwavering trust in God. Though much of his work bore fruit only after his death, Saint Ansgar’s faithful endurance laid the foundations of Christianity in Scandinavia. He died peacefully in Bremen, having offered his life wholly for the Gospel.

PRAYER: O God, You sustained Saint Ansgar with perseverance and hope amid trials and disappointments. Through his intercession, grant us steadfast faith, missionary courage, and humble trust in Your will, even when our efforts seem fruitless. Help us to serve You faithfully in every season of life. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏽

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

PRAYER INTENTION FOR THE DAY: FOR THE SICK, THE SUFFERING, AND MISSIONARIES OF THE GOSPEL

Through the intercession of Saint Blaise, Bishop and Martyr, and Saint Ansgar, Bishop, we lift up to the Lord all who are suffering in body, mind, or spirit. We pray especially for those afflicted with illness, chronic pain, throat diseases, and terminal conditions, through the special intercession of St. Blaise that they may experience God’s healing presence, comfort, and peace. May the Lord strengthen doctors, caregivers, and all who serve the sick with compassion and wisdom. We also pray for missionaries, evangelists, and all who labor to proclaim the Gospel in difficult places. Inspired by Saint Ansgar’s perseverance amid hardship and apparent failure, may they be renewed with courage, patience, and trust in God’s providence. May their witness bear fruit according to God’s will, even when unseen. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏽

Save Us, Savior of the World. Our Blessed Mother Mary, Saint Blaise, and Saint Ansgar ~ Pray for us 🙏🏾

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 Blaise, and Saint Ansgar ~ 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/