Holy Father's Prayer Intention for February

The Holy Father's prayer intention for February is:

For children with incureable 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.

Thank You, Lord

Thank you, Lord, for the gift of free will.

John David Corwin, O.P., on Obedience and Love

"To riff on Tertullian - what has obedience to do with love? How does obedience to God show love for him? To our modern sensibilities, the two seem like opposing ways of relating to God, as philosophy and revelation seem to oppose one another in thinking about God. However, Scripture and the Church teach us that we offer our obedience freely to God and in doing so we love him."

In a recent commentary, Brother John David Corwin, O.P., reflected on how our obedience is pledged reflects our love.

To access Br. John David's complete post, please visit:

Dominicana: Choose Wisely (5 FEB 26) 

Reflection Starter from Amelia Earhart

"A single act of kindness throws out roots in all directions, and the roots spring up and make new trees." -  Amelia Earhart

Steve Angrisano and Curtis Stephan: "Christ Our Light Has Come"

As we continue our Sunday celebration, I offer this version of Steve Angrisano and Curtis Stephan presenting "Christ Our Light Has Come":

 

Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Today the Church celebrates the Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time. The assigned readings are Isaiah 58:7-10, 1 Corinthians 2:1-5, and Matthew 5:13-16. The Responsorial Psalm is from Psalm 112 (Psalm 112:4-9).

For one version of the Responsorial Psalm set to music, please visit:

YouTube: 5th Sunday in Ordinary Time: Psalm 112 - The Just Man is a Light in Darkness [YEAR A] 

The Gospel reading is as follows:

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."

Reflections related to these readings:

Community in Mission: Pass the Salt and Turn on the Lights - A Homily for the Fifth Sunday of the Year (7 FEB 26) 

Benedictine College: This Sunday, The World Would Go Dark Without Christians (5 FEB 26)

Word on Fire: Become Someone for Others (Cycle A * Ordinary Time * 5th Week) 

The Pilot: Echoes: Scott Hahn: Light breaking (6 FEB 26 

The Pilot: Echoes: Father Joshua J. Whitfield: Scripture Reflection for Feb. 8, 2026, Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time (4 FEB26  

The Quiet Corner: Reflections on Grace and the Cross (5 FEB 26) 

Belated Birthday Blessings, Lincoln!!!

Bleated birthday greetings to grandson Lincoln, whose birthday was yesterday!!! May each day of the upcoming year be filled with the Lord's choicest blessings!!!

Thank You, Lord

Thank you, Lord, for the blessing of those who clear sidewalks after snowstorms.

Lucia Silecchia on Surrendering Fears to God

". . . there are times when there are real problems that need real discernment, caution and concern. But, if I am honest about the things that I most often worry about, many of them are anticipatory fears about what might happen rather than legitimate concerns about what is happening. It is worry about the what ifs, the maybes, the mights, the coulds. What if that presentation does not go well? Maybe those test results will not be what I want. I might not meet my deadline. The train trip could be an unpleasant misadventure."

In a recent commentary related to Christ's warning, "Do not worry about tomorrow; tomorrow will take care of itself" (Matt. 6:34), writer/Professor Lucia A. Silecchia reflected on the importance of surrendering our fears to God (recalling guidance from Philemon 4:6-7: "Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God. Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus."

To access Professor Silecchia's complete post, please visit:

The Pilot: Echoes: Lucia A. Silecchia: Surrendering fears to God (4 FEB 26)

Reflection Starter from Pope Leo XIV

"Salt that has lost its flavour 'is no longer good for anything, but is thrown out and trampled under foot' (Mt 5:13). So many people feel worthless or broken. It is as if their light has been hidden. It is painful to lose flavor and give up joy; yet it is possible to have this wound in our heart." - Pope Leo XIV

"Blest Are the Pure in Heart"

As we continue our Sunday celebration, I offer this version of "Blest Are the Pure in Heart":

 

Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Today the Church celebrates the Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time. The assigned readings are Zephaniah 2:3; 3:12-13; 1 Corinthians 1:26-31; and Matthew 5:1-12a. The Responsorial Psalm is from Psalm 146 (Psalm 146: 6-10).

For one version of the Responsorial Psalm set to music, please visit:

YouTube: Sign in Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Psalm 146: Blessed Are The Poor In Spirit)

The Gospel reading is as follows:

When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain, and after he had sat down, his disciples came to him. He began to teach them, saying:

"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are they who mourn, for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the land.
Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied.
Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the clean of heart, for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are you when they insult you and persecute you and utter every kind of evil against you falsely because of me.
Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven."

Reflections related to these readings:

Community in Mission: Picture This! A Homily for the 4th Sunday of the Year (31 JAN 26) 

Benedictine College: This Sunday, Jesus Will Give Us Everything If We Crawl Out of Satan's Trap (29 JAN 26)

Word on Fire: Do You Want to Be Happy? (Cycle A * Ordinary Time * 4th Week) 

The Pilot: Echoes: Scott Hahn: The blessed path (30 JAN 26 

The Pilot: Echoes: Deacon Greg Kandra: Scripture Reflection for Feb. 1, 2026, Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time (28 JAN 26  

The Quiet Corner: Following the Path of St. Bridget and St. Maria Elizabeth Hesselblad (29 JAN 26)