February 2 is the Feast of the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple, a major feast of our calendar.

February 5 and February 8 we remember two valiant women saints, St. Agatha and St. Josephine Bakhita. Both faced the evils of human trafficking and abuses against women. Timely examples of present evils and God’s grace that works against them.

February 6 we celebrate Saint Paul Miki and Companions, martyrs of the church in Japan. Our calendar reminds us every nation has holy people. That day let’s remember Japan, our church there and its holy people.

Our readings this week continue from chapters 5 and 6 of Mark’s gospel. He begins chapter 5: “They came to the other side of the sea, to the territory of the Gerasenes.” That’s pagan territory. He begins chapter 6: ”He departed from there and came to his native place, accompanied by his disciples.” Two important destinations for us, as well. Our own hometown and the world beyond.

FEBRUARY 1 Mon Weekday. Heb 11:32-40/Mk 5:1-20 

2 Tue The Presentation of the Lord Feast

Mal 3:1-4/Heb 2:14-18/Lk 2:22-40 or 2:22-32

3 Wed Weekday

[Saint Blaise, Bishop and Martyr; Saint Ansgar, Bishop]

Heb 12:4-7, 11-15/Mk 6:1-6 

4 Thu Weekday

Heb 12:18-19, 21-24/Mk 6:7-13 

5 Fri Saint Agatha, Virgin and Martyr Memorial

Heb 13:1-8/Mk 6:14-29 

6 Sat Saint Paul Miki and Companions, Martyrs

Memorial Heb 13:15-17, 20-21/Mk 6:30-34

7 SUN FIFTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

Jb 7:1-4, 6-7/1 Cor 9:16-19, 22-23/Mk 1:29-39