Daily Gospel Reflection
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January 29, 2026
Jesus said to his disciples,
“Is a lamp brought in to be placed under a bushel basket
or under a bed,
and not to be placed on a lampstand?
For there is nothing hidden except to be made visible;
nothing is secret except to come to light.
Anyone who has ears to hear ought to hear.”
He also told them, “Take care what you hear.
The measure with which you measure will be measured out to you,
and still more will be given to you.
To the one who has, more will be given;
from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away.”
Unfortunately, it seems that we are in the midst of a time in our world that only lives in extremes, with little desire to come to an agreement based on what each side shares in common. A world where harsh words and vicious actions are everyday headlines, and no one thinks twice about them. Where is the light we need? The world is in desperate need of many lamps on lampstands!
If we take a step back from the news broadcasts, we can see more clearly the light and the hope we are looking for in our communities. Like when our local food pantry, which we support, had to increase the food distribution events because God’s people need to be fed, no matter who they are or where they come from. It was amazing to see volunteers just greeting people, and how the recipients of the help and kind words smiled and were filled with joy because of the kind gestures.
Recently, Pope Leo said, “I believe we must seek ways of treating people with humanity, with the dignity that is theirs.” This is a call to always shine the light of human decency, no matter the circumstance. No matter the other person’s situation or beliefs, it is always necessary to shine the light of love and treat others with the dignity they deserve. We are called to build up the church and not tear it down. May Christ give us the conviction and strength to be the lamp to bring the light where and when it is needed.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, through the incarnation of your Son, the Church bears the divine light of the anointed one. Let each of us bear the infinite measure: Christ alive in us. Overflowing with infinite grace, may we offer more than our life’s work. Give us courage to share the living Christ for all to see, who lives and reigns for ever and ever. Amen.
Saint of the Day
Major relics of the early Christian martyr St. Severa rest in the reliquary chapel in the Basilica. Upon entering the chapel, visitors are immediately drawn to a wax figure of St. Severa, which rests above two lead boxes that contain her bones.
Severa was a child in a Christian family of martyrs who were killed in the early Christian persecutions. Her parents are Sts. Maximinus and Secunda, and her brothers are Sts. Mark (not the evangelist) and Calendine. Severa's entire family is commemorated all together on this feast day.
Maximinus, her father, commanded a thousand soldiers. When it was discovered that he was converting many of his soldiers to Christianity, he was condemned to work in the mines. When he continued to make converts even there, he was executed.
His wife, Secunda, and her children were arrested and brought to trial. Secunda died from the anxiety of the crisis itself, and Mark, Calendine, and Severa were scourged and martyred.
St. Severa, the child-martyr whose bones rest in the Basilica of the Sacred Heart—pray for us!