February 2026

Today and tomorrow, leading up to the start of Lent on Wednesday, our first readings are taken from the Letter of James. There is a refreshing directness about this letter. It does not beat around the bush, and it pulls no punches in calling Christians to order. The emphasis is very much on ‘doing’ – […]

The first Christians were all Jews. In the beginning, they continued to observe many of their traditional customs (male circumcision, dietary requirements) and they went to the Temple in Jerusalem to pray. But very soon, non-Jews (Gentiles) also became Christians, and these did not have to observe some of the traditions of the Jews. The

The only time they call it “St. Valentine’s Day” anymore is when they’re referring to Al Capone’s Chicago massacre on February 14, 1929. In all other contexts, it’s just plain “Valentine’s Day,” a secular celebration in which sweethearts of all faiths, and those with no faith at all, shower each other with candy, cards, expensive

The prophecy made in the time of Solomon is now being carried out. Solomon has died and his son Rehoboam wants to take over the throne. But as we saw, God was greatly displeased with the idolatrous behavior of Solomon and would deny the kingdom to his son. Instead, Jeroboam, a former servant in Solomon’s

As his life progressed, Solomon morality moved steadily downhill. The sacred writer implies that women were the cause of his downfall, and especially foreign women. Apart from the daughter of Egypt’s Pharaoh, he took many foreign women as his wives. Among these were many from ethnic groups with which the Israelites were forbidden to marry.

Jesus summoned the crowd again and said to them, “Hear me, all of you, and understand. Nothing that enters a person from outside can defile that person; but the things that come out from within are what defile.” When they got back into the house, away from the crowd, his disciples questioned him about the

In today’s reading from First Kings (1 Kings 8:22-23m 27-30), Soloman has already asked for wisdom in conducting his governance of his kingdom.  Solomon now prays for himself and all the people by beginning with the covenant principle of mutual faithfulness—God towards his people, the people towards their God. God’s kindness to his people flows

You may recall that Jesus poses this question to the blind man, Bartimaeus, who called out to Jesus to be healed (Mark 10:46-52).   Even though many rebuked him and told him to be silent, he called out all the more.  Bartimaeus’ persistence reveals his confident assurance in the desire and ability of Jesus to

Today is the eleventh International Day of Prayer and Awareness Against Human Trafficking.  This annual day was created with Pope Francis’ encouragement in 2015.  The day is intended to raise awareness and encourage reflection on the violence and injustice that impact victims of human trafficking.  The date selected for the annual observance, February 8, is

We have now finished our readings from Second Samuel.  David has died and his son by Bathsheba, Solomon, has become King. Today’s Old Testament reading (1 Kings 3:4-13) is a wonderful example of the servant leader, the person who puts the needs of his people above his own.  Solomon, presented with the opportunity to request any