MEMORIAL OF SAINT THOMAS AQUINAS, PRIEST AND DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH AND SAINT PETER NOLASCO, CONFESSOR – FEAST DAY ~ JANUARY 28TH 2026

WEDNESDAY OF THE THIRD WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

SAINTS OF THE DAY | JANUARY 28, 2026 | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/category/saints-of-the-day

MEMORIAL OF SAINT THOMAS AQUINAS, PRIEST AND DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH AND SAINT PETER NOLASCO, CONFESSOR

Direct link to the detailed history of Saint Thomas Aquinas, and Saint Peter Nolasco | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saints-of-the-day-feast-day-january-28th/

Watch “Holy Mass and Holy Rosary | EWTN | January 28, 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-january-28-2026/

Greetings and blessings, beloved family!

Today, the Church commemorates the Memorial of Saint Thomas Aquinas, Priest and Doctor of the Church (Patron of theologians, students, and Catholic education), and Saint Peter Nolasco, Confessor (Patron of captives and those who work for freedom), two faithful servants whose lives reveal the harmony of truth, charity, and courageous faith. Saint Thomas Aquinas devoted his life to the pursuit of divine wisdom, uniting faith and reason in humble obedience to God, while Saint Peter Nolasco embodied Christ’s mercy through selfless love for the oppressed, offering his life for the freedom of others. In today’s Scripture readings, the Lord promises David an enduring kingdom founded not on human effort but on God’s faithful initiative, while Jesus, in the parable of the sower, reveals how the Word of God bears fruit only in hearts that are open, rooted, and receptive. Together, these readings remind us that God’s promises take root and flourish when welcomed with trust, perseverance, and self-giving love. As we reflect on God’s Word today, may the witness of Saint Thomas Aquinas and Saint Peter Nolasco inspire us to cultivate hearts rich in faith, grounded in truth, and generous in charity, so that the Word sown within us may bear abundant fruit for the glory of God. 🙏🏽

PRAYER FOR INCLEMENT WEATHER: We join our prayers to the prayers of others for the safety and well-being of all those experiencing major winter storm across Texas and other parts of the United States and the world.

Prayer to Saint Medard: Patron Saint of Bad Storms

Saint Medard, Patron Saint for protection against bad storms, we ask you to intercede for us during the storms of our lives as well as the storms in nature. Protect our families and our homes. We pray for assistance for the victims of snowstorms, hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, and other natural disasters, especially for the inclement weather we are currently experiencing. Loving God, send in more helpers, and multiply resources and supplies for the aid of those in need. You calmed the storm on the Sea of Galilee; deliver us from the storms that are raging around us now. Saint Medard, pray for us. Amen 🙏🏽

BIBLE READINGS FOR TODAY’S HOLY MASS:

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

Today’s Bible Readings: Memorial of Saint Thomas Aquinas, Priest and Doctor of the Church | January 28, 2026
Reading 1: 2 Samuel 7:4–17
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 89:4–5, 27–28, 29–30
Gospel: Mark 4:1–20

Gospel Reading ~ Mark 4:1–20

“A sower went out to sow… and some seed fell on rich soil and produced fruit.”

On another occasion, Jesus began to teach by the sea. A very large crowd gathered around him 
so that he got into a boat on the sea and sat down. And the whole crowd was beside the sea on land.
And he taught them at length in parables, and in the course of his instruction he said to them, “Hear this! A sower went out to sow. And as he sowed, some seed fell on the path, and the birds came and ate it up. Other seed fell on rocky ground where it had little soil. It sprang up at once because the soil was not deep. And when the sun rose, it was scorched and it withered for lack of roots. Some seed fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked it and it produced no grain. And some seed fell on rich soil and produced fruit. It came up and grew and yielded thirty, sixty, and a hundredfold.” He added, “Whoever has ears to hear ought to hear.” And when he was alone, those present along with the Twelve 
questioned him about the parables. He answered them, “The mystery of the Kingdom of God has been granted to you. But to those outside everything comes in parables, so that they may look and see but not perceive, and hear and listen but not understand, in order that they may not be converted and be forgiven.” Jesus said to them, “Do you not understand this parable? Then how will you understand any of the parables? The sower sows the word. These are the ones on the path where the word is sown. As soon as they hear, Satan comes at once and takes away the word sown in them. And these are the ones sown on rocky ground who, when they hear the word, receive it at once with joy. But they have no roots; they last only for a time. Then when tribulation or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away. Those sown among thorns are another sort. They are the people who hear the word, but worldly anxiety, the lure of riches, and the craving for other things intrude and choke the word, and it bears no fruit. But those sown on rich soil are the ones who hear the word and accept it and bear fruit thirty and sixty and a hundredfold.”

SCRIPTURE REFLECTIONS:

Jesus teaches the crowd using the familiar image of a sower scattering seed. While the seed is the same in every case, the outcome depends entirely on the condition of the soil. Some seed is lost along the path, some withers on rocky ground, some is choked by thorns, and some bears abundant fruit in rich soil. When His disciples ask for understanding, Jesus explains that the seed is the Word of God, and the soil represents the hearts that receive it.

In today’s Gospel, Jesus invites us to reflect honestly on how we receive God’s Word. The parable of the sower makes it clear that the problem is not with the seed, which is always life-giving, but with the soil that receives it. Some hearts are distracted, hardened, or shallow, while others are open, receptive, and persevering. Fruitfulness in the Christian life is not accidental; it flows from attentiveness, patience, and a willingness to allow God’s Word to take deep root within us.

The First Reading from the Second Book of Samuel reveals a God who takes the initiative in salvation. David desires to build a house for the Lord, but God responds by promising to establish a house for David instead. This covenant shows that God is not confined to buildings or human plans; He is faithful, active, and deeply involved in the unfolding of human history. God chooses, forms, and remains steadfast with His people, even correcting them in love, without withdrawing His mercy.

The Responsorial Psalm echoes this covenantal faithfulness: “For ever I will maintain my love for my servant.” God’s promise is enduring, rooted not in human perfection but in divine mercy. The psalm reassures us that God’s love is constant, His covenant secure, and His faithfulness unshaken across generations.

Together, today’s readings call us to trust in God’s enduring promises and to examine the openness of our own hearts. The Word of God has been generously sown in our lives, but it asks for cooperation. When we allow God’s Word to shape our choices, challenge our distractions, and deepen our faith, it bears fruit beyond what we can imagine. Like rich soil, a receptive heart becomes a place where God’s promises take root and flourish.

As we reflect today, let us ask ourselves: What kind of soil is my heart? What distractions, fears, or attachments prevent God’s Word from bearing fruit in my life? How can I more intentionally nurture a heart that listens, perseveres, and grows in faith?

Lord Jesus Christ, You sow the Word of God generously into our lives. Grant us receptive hearts, free from distraction and fear, that Your Word may take deep root within us. Help us to trust in the Father’s faithful promises and to bear fruit through lives of obedience, perseverance, and love. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏽

SAINTS OF THE DAY | JANUARY 28TH:

Link to Saints of the Day with Daily Reflections | January 28th https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com

Direct link to the detailed history of |Saint Thomas Aquinas, and Saint Peter Nolasco https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saints-of-the-day-feast-day-january-28th/

SAINT THOMAS AQUINAS, PRIEST AND DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH: Saint Thomas Aquinas (1225–1274), known as the Angelic Doctor, was one of the greatest theologians and thinkers in the history of the Church. A Dominican friar, priest, and Doctor of the Church, he devoted his life to showing the harmony between faith and reason, revealing that truth found through philosophy ultimately leads to God. Renowned for his humility, purity of heart, and deep prayer life, Thomas combined intellectual brilliance with profound holiness. His monumental works, especially the Summa Theologica, continue to shape Catholic theology, guiding the Church in understanding the mysteries of faith. Near the end of his life, after a powerful mystical experience, he recognized that all human knowledge pales before the greatness of God. His life reminds us that true wisdom begins with reverence for God and is perfected in love and humility.

PRAYER: God of wisdom and truth, You enriched Saint Thomas Aquinas with a brilliant mind and a humble heart. Through his intercession, help us to seek truth with sincerity, to unite faith with reason, and to live what we believe with integrity and holiness. May our pursuit of knowledge always lead us closer to You. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏽

SAINT PETER NOLASCO, CONFESSOR: Saint Peter Nolasco (1182–1256) was a man consumed with compassion for the suffering, especially Christians held captive for their faith. Moved by deep charity and guided by a vision of the Blessed Virgin Mary, he founded the Order of Our Lady of Mercy, dedicated to the ransom and liberation of captives. Embracing a life of sacrifice, he and his companions vowed not only poverty and chastity, but also to offer themselves in exchange for prisoners if necessary. Through his tireless efforts, countless captives regained their freedom, and hope was restored to the oppressed. Saint Peter’s life stands as a powerful witness to self-giving love, reminding us that true freedom is born from charity, courage, and trust in God.

PRAYER: Merciful Father, You filled Saint Peter Nolasco with Christ-like compassion for the suffering and the oppressed. Through his intercession, awaken in us hearts of generosity and courage, that we may work for justice, freedom, and mercy in our world. Help us to serve others with selfless love and unwavering faith. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏽

Our Blessed Mother Mary, Saint Thomas Aquinas, and Saint Peter Nolasco — pray for us. 🙏🏽

THE POPE’S MONTHLY INTENTIONS FOR 2026: FOR THE MONTH OF JANUARY: For prayer with the Word of God. Let us pray that praying with the Word of God be nourishment for our lives and a source of hope in our communities, helping us to build a more fraternal and missionary Church.

(https://popesprayerusa.net/popes-intentions/)

MONTH OF THE HOLY NAME OF JESUS: The month of January is traditionally dedicated to the Holy Name of Jesus. After the Blessed Virgin Mary conceived by the Holy Spirit, the Angel Gabriel appeared to St. Joseph told him that the Child’s name should be called Jesus, meaning “God Saves.” According to Jewish law, on the 8th day after his birth, a male child was to be circumcised, receive his name, and become a full member of God’s covenant people. According to the old Roman liturgical calendar, the Feast of the Circumcision of Jesus was celebrated on January 1st, eight days after Christmas, the same day that He was given His sacred name. Currently, we celebrate the Solemnity of the Mother of God on January 1st and honor the Holy Name of Jesus on January 3rd. For Catholics, Jesus’ sacred name is the object of a special devotion symbolized by the monogram “IHS,” (sometimes called a Christogram), which is the first three letters of the Greek spelling of His name.
https://www.catholicculture.org/culture/library/view.cfm?recnum=12538

PRAYER INTENTION FOR THE DAY: FOR TEACHERS OF THE FAITH AND ALL WHO SEEK WISDOM

Through the intercession of Saint Thomas Aquinas, Priest and Doctor of the Church, let us pray for all who are entrusted with teaching, studying, and defending the truths of the Catholic faith. As we celebrate his memorial, we lift up theologians, philosophers, educators, catechists, students, and all engaged in intellectual and spiritual formation, that they may seek truth with humility, unite faith with reason, and proclaim the Gospel with clarity and charity. May the wisdom God bestowed upon Saint Thomas guide the Church in sound doctrine, deepen our understanding of the mysteries of faith, and help the Word sown in our hearts bear abundant fruit in lives of holiness and service. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏽

Prayers for Peace | https://mycatholic.life/catholic-prayers/prayers-for-peace/

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 🙏🏽

Save Us, Savior of the World. Our Blessed Mother Mary, Saint Thomas Aquinas, and Saint Peter Nolasco ~ 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/