Tuesday, February 3, 2026

 

(Optional) Memorial of Saint Blaise, bishop and martyr

(II Samuel 18:9-10.14b.24-25a.30-19:3; Mark 5:21-43)

Today’s rather obscure patron saint is one of the most celebrated by the people.  The reason, of course, is the long tradition of blessing throats with candles, themselves blessed yesterday, “Candlemas Day.”

The gospels report that Jesus worked many healings like the two done in today’s passage.  He cured sickness and expelled demons to show that the Kingdom of God has indeed come upon the world.  The Kingdom promises wholeness to loving believers although not immediate cure of every illness.  Healed or not on earth, they will experience the fulness of health in eternal life.

Today’s blessing should not be taken as a vaccine for throat disease.  It is a request for healing of every kind – physical, mental, emotional and spiritual.  It is said that St. Blaise’s prayers saved a boy from choking on a fishbone.  May his prayers clear our throats as well to profess faith in God and to tell of God’s glory.

Monday, February 2, 2026

 

Feast of the Presentation of the Lord

(Malachi 3:1-4; Hebrews 2:14-18; Luke 2:22-32)

Throughout the Old Testament the People of God long to see God’s face.  Psalm 27 expresses the desire pointedly: “’Come,’ says my heart, ‘seek God’s face’; your face, Lord, do I seek!” (Psalm 27:8) Good people realize that in the Lord’s presence there is not only beauty but safety and happiness.  In short, in seeing God’s face, one experiences salvation.

In today’s gospel Simeon encompasses this longing.  A seer above all, he has been promised sight of God’s face.  He might have expected that the countenance of God would be that of a wise person full of trial, strength and compassion.  However, like Samuel when he is presented with David for anointing, Simeon is surprised by the face of an infant.  But he has no doubts.  Upon seeing the Christ-child, he breaks into song: “’Now, Master, you may let your servant go in peace, according to your word, for my eyes have seen your salvation ….”

The Church sings Simeon’s Canticle at Night Prayer in the Liturgy of the Hours.  It assures us that Christ not only lights our way through this world but becomes our focus in the next.