Ordinary Time, Winter: Special Days

January 18–25

Week of Prayer for Christian Unity

At this time, we share pulpits and prayer services with other Christian churches to ask God for an end to our divisions. It’s a good opportunity to visit another church in your area. Or, take photos of several nearby churches, label them by name, and display them on a bulletin board or refrigerator.

January 28

Memorial of Saint Thomas Aquinas

Because the great Dominican theologian (1225–1274) was quiet and humble, teachers mistook him for unintelligent. But professor Albertus Magnus declared, “We call this young man a dumb ox, but his bellowing in doctrine will one day resound throughout the world.” Thomas wrote important theological works (i.e., Summa Theologica) and experienced ecstatic conversations with God. When he was dying, the saint summed up a life’s work: “Thee have I preached; Thee have I taught.” Readings: 2 Samuel 12:1–7a, 10–17; Psalm 119:9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14; Matthew 23:8–12.

February 2

Feast of the Presentation of the Lord

Today’s feast is a celebration of light and a promise of spring as Mary and Joseph present their son in the temple. The image of Simeon embracing the infant Jesus is a sign of humanity welcoming Christ, and of the old giving way to the new. Read and reflect on Simeon’s canticle, Luke 2:29–32. Be sure to light candles in your home tonight. Readings: Malachi 3:1–4; Psalm 24:7, 8, 9, 10; Hebrews 2:14–18; Luke 2:22–40.

February 11

Optional Memorial of Our Lady of Lourdes—World Day of the Sick

Today we pray especially for the sick. Remember them at mealtime, or attend a parish healing service. It’s also a time to pray for the caregivers, whose jobs can be demanding (see http://www.catholiccaregivers.com/ http://www.caregiver.org). Think about those you know, who may be caring for patients with chronic illnesses such as Alzheimer’s. Could you offer to give them a break, prepare a meal, run errands, or do household chores? Readings: Isaiah 66:10–14c; Responsorial Psalm: Judith 13:18bcde, 19; John 2:1–11.

Mardi Gras

In some places, “Carnival” or Mardi Gras is celebrated on Shrove Tuesday, the day before Ash Wednesday, with parades, dancing, music, and masks. In preparation for the fast to come, people enjoy eating up any sugary or fat-filled treats. Today, churches often sponsor an after-Mass brunch of pancakes, fritters, or donuts, and last year’s palms may be burned to make ashes for Ash Wednesday. It’s also time to plan this year’s approach to Lent. How will you adapt or incorporate the traditional practices of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving this year? Readings: James 4:1–10; Psalm 55:7–8, 9–10a, 10b–11a, 23; Mark 9:30–37.

© 2011 Liturgy Training Publications. 1-800-933-1800. Written by Kathy Coffey. Scripture quotations are from The New Revised Standard Version Bible: Catholic Edition, copyright © 1993 and 1989 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A. Used by Permission. All rights reserved.