Tuesday of the Fourth Week in Ordinary Time
Or Optional Memorial of Saint Ansgar, Bishop
Or Optional Memorial of Saint Blaise, Bishop and Martyr
Gospel: Mark 5:21-43
Theme: Salvation through Faith

Today is Tuesday of the Fourth Week in Ordinary Time, on which the Church celebrates the Optional Memorial of St. Blaise (Bishop and Martyr) and St. Ansgar (Bishop).

St. Blaise, Bishop, was an Armenian of the 4th century who first worked as a physician before becoming Bishop of Sebaste. Renowned for his medical skill, he often treated the poor free of charge, especially excelling in healing throat ailments—hence he is known as the Patron Saint of Throat Ailments. During the Roman persecution of Christians, he was arrested for his unwavering faith, endured flogging and being scraped with iron combs without yielding, and was ultimately beheaded as a martyr. To this day, the faithful pray to him for relief from throat troubles, and his feast day is February 3.

St. Ansgar, Bishop, was a French missionary of the 9th century, known as the “Apostle of the North.” Setting out from his monastery, he journeyed to Denmark and Sweden to preach. At a time when the local people practiced paganism, he integrated gently into their communities, built churches and established schools, mediated disputes, and gradually won their trust. Later appointed Archbishop of Hamburg-Bremen, he dedicated himself to Christianizing Northern Europe and is regarded as one of the founders of the Church in that region. He lived a humble and steadfast life.

Today, Mark presents us with two miracles performed by Jesus. The woman with a hemorrhage was convinced that if she could just touch Jesus’ cloak, she would be healed. By her faith in Jesus, she was indeed cured. Another model of faith for us is Jairus, the synagogue leader. When he learned Jesus had crossed to the other side of the sea, he pleaded with Jesus to heal his sick daughter, trusting in who Jesus was. Upon hearing his daughter had died, he did not blame the woman with the hemorrhage who had touched Jesus, accusing her of causing his daughter’s death; instead, he remained confident in Jesus, trusting that He would raise his daughter back to life. This is an excellent example.

Today, we are called to be Christians. At the beginning, like the woman with the hemorrhage and Jairus, we too held strong faith in Jesus. Yet the prince of this world often lulls us with material comfort, leading us to choose to trust in accumulating wealth and seeking worldly fame rather than trusting in God. Therefore, today, let us imitate the virtues of St. Blaise and St. Ansgar, follow Christ with full faith, and walk the path to holiness together.

St. Blaise, Bishop, St. Ansgar, Bishop, pray for us. Amen.

©Totus Tuus 2026
Cum Approbatione Ecclesiastica