JANUARY 30 Mon Weekday Heb 11:32-40/Mk 5:1-20 

31 Tue Saint John Bosco, Priest Memorial Heb 12:1-4/Mk 5:21-43 

FEBRUARY 1 Wed Weekday Heb 12:4-7, 11-15/Mk 6:1-6 

2 Th Presentation of the Lord Feast Mal 3:1-4/Heb 2:14-18/Lk 2:22-40 or 2:22-32 

3 Fri Weekday  [St Blaise, Bishop Martyr; St Ansgar, Bishop] Heb 13:1-8/Mk 6:14-29 

4 Sat Weekday [BVM] Heb 13:15-17, 20-21/Mk 6:30-34 

5 SUN 5 SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME Is 58:7-10/1 Cor 2:1-5/Mt 5:13-16 

Our readings this week from chapters 5 and 6 of Mark’s gospel begin: “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 native place, where we usually live,  and the world beyond. The readings this week show two worlds. The Letter to the Hebrews tells us to lift our eyes to heaven. Another world awaits us.

January 1 is the celebration of St. John Bosco, founder of the Salesians, one of the largest religious communities in the Catholic Church. 

February 2 is the Feast of the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple, one of the final events of Luke’s Infancy Narrative and a major feast of our calendar. The feast is also called Candlemass Day because candles are blessed this day. Jesus Christ brought light to Simeon and Anna who were waiting in the temple,  representatives of all who wait for the light of Christ.

February 3 is the Feast of St. Ansgar, apostle to Scandinavia. We celebrate apostles to various part of the world in our yearly calendar. Ansgar (801-856) experienced only small success in his efforts, but missionary efforts are not judged by complete success. Rather they succeed by planting the see.