Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time

The Month of February Dedicated to the Holy Family

In other years: Saint Agatha (3rd century)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 7:55 Humility

Mass: Is 58:7-10; Resp Ps 112; 1 Cor 2:1-5; Mt 5:13-16

Light shines through the darkness for the upright.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

JESUS, MARY, AND JOSEPH, CALLED THE "HOLY FAMILY" FROM ALL TIME,

PRAY FOR US.

That your faith might not rest on human wisdom but on the power of God.

(1 Cor 2:5)

Benvenuto, Papa Francesco. The Holy Father is back in Rome after his six-day Apostolic Journey to the Democratic Republic of Congo and South Sudan. Mary, Solus Populi Romani, pray for us. Help us this day and throughout this week to let our lights shine before others, that they may see our good deeds and glorify our heavenly Father. After all, we are the salt of the earth, we are about being courageous witnesses of the faith to all those we meet. And it is wonderful what a little kindness extended to another will do. It can certainly cure what ails you. Reach out to someone today. United in faith and prayer, we go forth and proclaim: Out with the dark and in with the Light! Thank you for being there, faithful readers. Jesus loves you!

We invoke Saint Agatha, patron saint of rape victims, breast cancer, wet nurses, and martyrs.

Agatha, her goodness coincides with her name and way of life. She won a good name by her noble deeds, and by her name she points to the nobility of her deeds. Agatha, her mere name wins all men over to her company. She teaches them by her example to hasten with her to the true Good, God alone.

(From a homily on Saint Agatha by Saint Methodius of Sicily, bishop, in Office of Readings, February 5)

To us, also, your servants,

who, though sinners,

hope in your abundant mercies,

graciously grant some share

and fellowship with your holy Apostles and Martyrs:

with ... Felicity, Perpetua,

Agatha, Lucy,

Agnes, Cecilia, Anastastia

and all your Saints;

admit us, we beseech you,

into their company,

not weighing our merits

but granting us your pardon,

through Christ our Lord.

(Roman Canon, Eucharistic Prayer I)

SAINT AGATHA,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: Sunday needs white flowers; these sent by my dear cousin in Windsor. He is gracious and merciful and just.

© Gertrude Feick 2023