MEMORIAL OF SAINT CLAUDE DE LA COLOMBIÈRE, PRIEST AND SAINTS FAUSTINUS, PRIEST AND JOVITA, DEACON,  MARTYRS: FEAST DAY ~ FEBRUARY 15TH 2026

SIXTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

SAINTS OF THE DAY | FEBRUARY 15, 2026 | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saints-of-the-day-feast-day-february-15th/

MEMORIAL OF SAINT CLAUDE DE LA COLOMBIÈRE, PRIEST AND SAINTS FAUSTINUS, PRIEST AND JOVITA, DEACON,  MARTYRS

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

Watch “Holy Mass and Holy Rosary | EWTN | February 15, 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-15-2026/

Greetings and blessings, beloved family!

Today, as we celebrate the Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time and honor the Memorial of Saint Claude de la Colombière, Priest, and Saints Faustinus and Jovita, Martyrs, the Church invites us to reflect on the call to holiness that begins in the heart. The Book of Sirach reminds us that God has set before us life and death, good and evil, and that we are free to choose. In the Gospel, Jesus deepens the Law, calling us beyond outward observance to interior righteousness, purity of heart, integrity in speech, and reconciliation with one another. Saint Claude de la Colombière teaches us to trust fully in the merciful love of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, allowing that love to transform our inner lives. Saints Faustinus and Jovita show us what it means to choose life and fidelity, even at the cost of suffering and death. Together, today’s readings and saints remind us that holiness is not superficial compliance, but a wholehearted “yes” to God—lived with courage, integrity, and trust. May we choose life, embrace the wisdom revealed by the Spirit, and allow Christ to fulfill His law of love within us. 🙏🏽

Thanking God for the precious gift of this new day and for His faithful presence during this month of February, as 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:

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

Today’s Bible Readings: Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time | February 15, 2026
Reading 1: Sirach 15:15–20
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 119:1–2, 4–5, 17–18, 33–34
Reading 2: 1 Corinthians 2:6–10
Gospel: Matthew 5:17–37 (or 5:20–22a, 27–28, 33–34a, 37)

Gospel Reading ~ Matthew 5:17–37

“Let your ‘Yes’ mean ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No’ mean ‘No.’”

Jesus said to his disciples: “Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets. I have come not to abolish but to fulfill. Amen, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or the smallest part of a letter will pass from the law, until all things have taken place. Therefore, whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do so will be called least in the kingdom of heaven. But whoever obeys and teaches these commandments will be called greatest in the kingdom of heaven. I tell you, unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven. “You have heard that it was said to your ancestors, You shall not kill; and whoever kills will be liable to judgment. But I say to you, whoever is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment; and whoever says to his brother, ‘Raqa,’ will be answerable to the Sanhedrin; and whoever says, ‘You fool,’ will be liable to fiery Gehenna. Therefore, if you bring your gift to the altar, and there recall that your brother has anything against you, leave your gift there at the altar, go first and be reconciled with your brother, and then come and offer your gift. Settle with your opponent quickly while on the way to court. Otherwise your opponent will hand you over to the judge, and the judge will hand you over to the guard, and you will be thrown into prison. Amen, I say to you, you will not be released until you have paid the last penny. “You have heard that it was said, You shall not commit adultery. But I say to you, everyone who looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart. If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one of your members than to have your whole body thrown into Gehenna. And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one of your members than to have your whole body go into Gehenna. “It was also said, Whoever divorces his wife must give her a bill of divorce. But I say to you, whoever divorces his wife –  unless the marriage is unlawful causes her to commit adultery, and whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery. “Again you have heard that it was said to your ancestors, Do not take a false oath, but make good to the Lord all that you vow. But I say to you, do not swear at all; not by heaven, for it is God’s throne; nor by the earth, for it is his footstool; nor by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. Do not swear by your head, for you cannot make a single hair white or black. Let your ‘Yes’ mean ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No’ mean ‘No.’ Anything more is from the evil one.”

SCRIPTURE REFLECTIONS

In today’s Gospel, Jesus deepens our understanding of the Law. He does not abolish it; He fulfills it. The commandments are not merely external rules to follow but invitations to interior transformation. It is not enough to avoid murder; we must uproot anger. It is not enough to avoid adultery; we must purify the heart. It is not enough to avoid false oaths; our very words must reflect truth and integrity.

Christ calls us beyond minimal compliance into authentic righteousness. The scribes and Pharisees were known for strict observance, yet Jesus challenges His disciples to surpass that standard. How? By allowing God’s law to penetrate the heart. True holiness is not about appearances; it is about alignment between our inner life and our outward actions.

The First Reading from Sirach reminds us of human freedom and responsibility: “Before man are life and death, good and evil, whichever he chooses shall be given him.” God does not command injustice, nor does He force obedience. He places before us a choice. Fire or water. Life or death. The commandments are not restrictions meant to burden us; they are pathways to life.

The Responsorial Psalm echoes the joy of obedience: “Blessed are they who follow the law of the Lord.” Blessing comes not from bending the law to our convenience, but from trusting that God’s commands lead to freedom.

Saint Paul, in the Second Reading, speaks of a deeper wisdom, God’s hidden wisdom revealed through the Spirit. This wisdom is not worldly success or external religiosity, but participation in God’s own life. Only the Spirit can help us live the radical righteousness Jesus describes. Without grace, the Sermon on the Mount would seem impossible. With the Spirit, it becomes a journey of transformation.

Today’s readings challenge us to examine the interior life. Are we settling for outward compliance while allowing resentment, impurity, or dishonesty to remain within? Do we recognize that every day presents us with a choice between life and death in small decisions, words spoken, thoughts entertained, attitudes embraced?

As we reflect today, let us ask ourselves: Do I truly desire a righteousness that transforms my heart, or am I content with appearances? What areas of my life require deeper conversion, my anger, my thoughts, my speech? Am I choosing life in the daily decisions placed before me? Let us invite the Holy Spirit to scrutinize our hearts and grant us the wisdom to choose what leads to life.

Let us pray: Lord Jesus, You came not to abolish the Law but to fulfill it in love. Purify our hearts, transform our thoughts, and guide our choices. Help us to choose life each day and to live with integrity in word and action. May our “Yes” to You be wholehearted and true. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏽

SAINTS OF THE DAY | FEBRUARY 15TH:

Link to Saints of the Day with Daily Reflections| February 15th https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com

Direct link to the detailed history of Saint Claude de la Colombière, and Saints Faustinus and Jovita | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saints-of-the-day-feast-day-february-15th/

SAINT CLAUDE DE LA COLOMBIÈRE, PRIEST: Saint Claude de la Colombière (1641–1682) was a Jesuit priest born in France who became a devoted apostle of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Entering the Society of Jesus at a young age, he was known for his integrity, discipline, and powerful preaching. While serving as rector near the Visitation convent in Paray-le-Monial, he became the spiritual director of Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque and was the first to fully believe in and support the revelations she received concerning devotion to the Sacred Heart. Through his encouragement and steadfast faith, the devotion began to spread throughout the Church. Later sent to England as preacher and confessor to the Duchess of York, he ministered during a time of intense anti-Catholic persecution. Falsely accused of involvement in a political plot, he was imprisoned, where his health severely declined. Though spared execution, he was banished and returned to France, where he died at Paray-le-Monial in 1682. Canonized in 1992, he is honored as a faithful servant who promoted Christ’s merciful love and trust in the Sacred Heart. He is recognized as patron of devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, as well as of sculptors and toy makers.

PRAYER: O faithful Saint Claude, apostle of the Sacred Heart, help us to trust in the boundless love and mercy of Jesus. Teach us to remain steadfast in trials and courageous in proclaiming our faith. May we draw ever closer to the Heart of Christ and become witnesses of His love in the world. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏽

SAINTS FAUSTINUS, PRIEST, AND JOVITA, DEACON, MARTYRS: Saints Faustinus and Jovita were brothers from Brescia in northern Italy who lived during the persecution of Emperor Hadrian in the early second century. Zealous in preaching the Christian faith, they fearlessly proclaimed Christ despite violent opposition. Arrested for refusing to renounce their faith, they endured imprisonment, torture, and public trials. Tradition recounts that wild beasts released against them would not harm them, and many witnesses were moved by their steadfast courage. After enduring numerous sufferings and remaining unwavering in their confession of Christ, they were eventually condemned to death and beheaded around the year 120 in Brescia. Their heroic witness strengthened the early Christian community, and they have long been honored as the principal patrons of the city of Brescia.

PRAYER: Almighty and ever-living God, You gave Saints Faustinus and Jovita the grace to remain faithful even unto death. Grant us courage in the face of trials and strength to confess our faith boldly in our daily lives. May their witness inspire us to live and, if necessary, suffer for Christ with steadfast hearts. Through our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen. 🙏🏽

Our Blessed Mother Mary, Saint Claude de la Colombière, and Saints Faustinus and Jovita ~ pray for us. 🙏🏽

PRAYER INTENTION FOR THE DAY: FOR TRUST IN THE SACRED HEART AND COURAGEOUS WITNESS IN TIMES OF TRIAL

Through the intercession of Saint Claude de la Colombière, Priest (apostle of devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and patron of sculptors and toy makers), and Saints Faustinus, Priest, and Jovita, Deacon, Martyrs (principal patrons of Brescia), let us pray for deeper trust in the merciful love of Christ and steadfast courage in defending our faith. Through Saint Claude’s example, may we grow in confidence in the Sacred Heart of Jesus, especially in moments of suffering, misunderstanding, or persecution. May priests, religious, and spiritual directors be strengthened in guiding souls toward deeper love and devotion to Christ. May all who struggle with doubt or fear learn to rest in the Heart of Jesus, who never abandons His people. Through the heroic witness of Saints Faustinus and Jovita, may Christians throughout the world remain bold in proclaiming the Gospel despite opposition. May those facing persecution for their faith receive strength, protection, and perseverance. May we, in our own daily challenges, stand firm in truth, choosing fidelity over compromise. United with their witness of love and courage, may we live bravely, trust completely, and lead others to the merciful Heart of Christ. 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 continue our spiritual journey, may this Ordinary Time invite us to a 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 Claude de la Colombière, and Saints Faustinus and Jovita ~ 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/