The readings from the Book of Genesis this week take us out of the Garden of Eden to the world where Adam and Eve begin life anew with their two children, Cain and Abel. A tough world that gets worse as time goes by. Finally, only Noah is left as rain comes down, but God’s promise remains. A rainbow spreads across the sky.

The readings from chapter 8 in Mark’s gospel center on the identity of Jesus. The Pharisees and scribes dispute his claims. His disciples believe he is the Messiah, but Peter in Mark 8, 33 calls him to turn away from his mission to Jerusalem.

The Chair of St. Peter the Apostle is celebrated on February 22nd. The same apostle Jesus calls “Satan” teaches about his mission.
St. Polycarp, the 2nd century bishop of Smyrna, is one of the great martyrs of the early church. An old man who wouldn’t give up his faith and died for it.

FEBRUARY 18 Mon Weekday
Gn 4:1-15, 25/Mk 8:11-13 (335)

19 Tue Weekday
Gn 6:5-8; 7:1-5, 10/Mk 8:14-21 (336)

20 Wed Weekday
Gn 8:6-13, 20-22/Mk 8:22-26 (337)

21 Thu Weekday
[Saint Peter Damian, Bishop and Doctor of the Church]
Gn 9:1-13/Mk 8:27-33 (338)

22 Fri The Chair of Saint Peter the Apostle
Feast
1 Pt 5:1-4/Mt 16:13-19 (535) Pss Prop

23 Sat Saint Polycarp, Bishop and Martyr
Memorial
Heb 11:1-7/Mk 9:2-13 (340)

24 SUN SEVENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
1 Sm 26:2, 7-9, 12-13, 22-23/1 Cor 15:45-49/Lk 6:27-38 (81)