Tuesday 7th February

How to help a good cause 

Six individuals are in line to become the first African-American saint: Sister Thea Bowman, Julia Greeley, Mother Mary Lange, Mother Henriette Delille, Father Augustus Tolton, and Pierre Toussaint. The first three have the title “servant of God,” indicating their canonization cause has been launched. The latter three have the title “venerable,” meaning the pope recognizes their heroic virtue. Next would come beatification, allowing candidates to be called “blessed”; it includes the church’s confirmation that they are in heaven—evidenced by at least two miracles from their intercession (unless they’re martyred). Finally, comes canonization. Learn about these six and seek their intercession year-round.

Today's readings: Genesis 1:20-2:4a; Mark 7:1-13 (330).

Wednesday 8th February

Saintly guidance to help end modern-day slavery

This day marks the International Day of Prayer and Awareness Against Human Trafficking—also the feast of the first and only black woman saint in modern times: the Sudanese nun Josephine Bakhita. Kidnapped into slavery as a child by Arab traffickers in the late 19th century, she was converted to Islam before eventually being left in the care of Canossian Sisters in Italy. Her freedom soon came, and she lived out her later life as a Catholic and eventually a nun. Today, an estimated 50 million people live in modern-day slavery. Christians are among the greatest combatants of the trade, and Saint Josephine was named the patron of survivors when she was canonized in 2000. May her faith continue to inspire those working to end the scourge, and may we join their efforts.

MEMORIAL OF JOSEPHINE BAKHITA, RELIGIOUS

Today's readings: Genesis 2:4b-9, 15-17; Mark 7:14-23 (331).

Thursday 9th February

Seeing Adam’s rib with fresh eyes 

Traditionally, today’s first reading has been used as a cudgel to keep women in divinely sanctioned inferiority. In the past century, scholars have looked differently at Genesis. Eve being created last doesn’t imply inferiority, they say; human creation came after the rest of creation and traditionally was seen as implying superiority (which is actually another idea now under question). Also, many say a “partner” for Adam would imply equal status. Scripture interpretation depends heavily on the culture and on who is doing the interpreting. May the Holy Spirit inspire each one of us to advance human dignity.

Today's readings: Genesis 2:18-25; Mark 7:24-30 (332).

Friday 10th February

Togetherness has its virtue

Saint Scholastica (480-543) is the patron of Benedictine nuns and sisters. Along with her brother Saint Benedict of Nursia, she helped establish a rule for monastic living that emphasized prayer, work, and peace. Contemporary Benedictine women continue to follow this ancient set of precepts. The vision of monastic life, as expressed in the 2022 Centennial Prayer of the Benedictine Federation of Saint Scholastica is to “see Christ at the heart of all creation and at the center of our common life” and “share the peace of Christ, show the love of Christ, and make Christ known in our world.” In what ways does your own life within family and community give witness to the peace and love of Christ?

MEMORIAL OF SCHOLASTICA, RELIGIOUS

Today's readings: Genesis 3:1-8; Mark 7:31-37 (333).

Saturday 11th February

Our hands, God’s hands 

Today is World Day of the Sick, an observation introduced by Pope John Paul II as a way for believers to serve those suffering from illnesses. “Because Your hands, which touch the suffering flesh of Christ,” said the sainted pope, “can be a sign of the merciful hands of the Father.” Today and every day we pray for and care for the sick in our lives. On this day last year Pope Francis stated, “The ministry of consolation is a task for every baptized person, mindful of the word of Jesus: ‘I was sick and you visited me.’”

Today's readings: Genesis 3:9-24; Mark 8:1-10 (334).