Catholic Mass Readings and Reflection February 07, 2026
Saturday – Fourth Week in Ordinary Time
07th February 2026 (Saturday)
Psalter: Week 4
Readings of the Day
First Reading: 1 Kings 3:4-13
In those days: Solomon went to Gibeon to sacrifice there, for that was the great high place. Solomon used to offer a thousand burnt offerings on that altar. At Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream by night, and God said, “Ask what I shall give you.” And Solomon said, “You have shown great and steadfast love to your servant David my father, because he walked before you in faithfulness, in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart toward you. And you have kept for him this great and steadfast love and have given him a son to sit on his throne this day. And now, O Lord my God, you have made your servant king in place of David my father, although I am but a little child. I do not know how to go out or come in. And your servant is in the midst of your people whom you have chosen, a great people, too many to be numbered or counted for multitude. Give your servant therefore an understanding mind to govern your people, that I may discern between good and evil, for who is able to govern this your great people?” It pleased the Lord that Solomon had asked this. And God said to him, “Because you have asked this, and have not asked for yourself long life or riches or the life of your enemies, but have asked for yourself understanding to discern what is right, behold, I now do according to your word. Behold, I give you a wise and discerning mind, so that none like you has been before you and none like you shall arise after you. I give you also what you have not asked, both riches and honor, so that no other king shall compare with you, all your days.
Psalm 119:9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 (R.12b)
R/. Blest be the God of my salvation!
Gospel Acclamation
V/. Alleluia
R/. Alleluia
V/. My sheep hear my voice, says the Lord; and I know them, and they follow me.
R/. Alleluia
Gospel: Mark 6:30-34
At that time: The apostles returned to Jesus, and told him all that they had done and taught. And he said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest a while.” For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat. And they went away in the boat to a desolate place by themselves. Now many saw them going and recognized them, and they ran there on foot from all the towns, and got there ahead of them. When he went ashore he saw a great crowd, and he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd; and he began to teach them many things.
Daily Gospel Reflection
Saturday – Fourth Week in Ordinary Time
Main Point: We often think that to be successful, we must be powerful, busy, and rich. But God teaches us that true success lies in knowing our limits, resting in His presence, and having a heart that truly listens.
1. In the first reading from 1 Kings 3: 4-13, we witness a very touching moment. Solomon has just become king. He has immense responsibility on his shoulders. He could have been arrogant or pretended to know everything.
2. Instead, he is incredibly honest. He goes to God and says, “I am a mere youth; I know not how to act.” It takes great courage to admit, “Lord, I don’t know what I’m doing.” He acknowledges that he is like a little child in need of a father’s guidance.
3. When God offers him anything he wants, Solomon does not ask for long life, riches, or the death of his enemies. He asks for an “understanding heart”—literally, a “listening heart.” He wants the ability to distinguish right from wrong so he can serve people better.
4. This pleases God immensely. Because Solomon sought the Kingdom of God first, God promised to give him everything else as well—wisdom, riches, and glory. Solomon teaches us that the best prayer is not “Lord, give me what I want,” but “Lord, help me understand what You want.”
5. In the Gospel of Mark (6: 30-34), the scene shifts to the apostles. They have just returned from a busy mission, excited and exhausted. They are so busy they “had no leisure even to eat.”
6. Jesus does not say, “Good job, work harder.” He says, “Come away by yourselves to a lonely place, and rest a while.” Jesus knows that we are human. He knows we have limits. He teaches us that rest is not a waste of time; it is a holy necessity. If we do not rest with God, we cannot work for God.
7. But as they try to escape for a retreat, the crowds follow them. This is the real test. Usually, when our rest is disturbed, we get irritated. We snap at people. We say, “Leave me alone, it is my time!”
8. Jesus reacts differently. When he saw the vast crowd, “he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd.” His heart was moved. He put his own tiredness aside because he saw their deep need.
9. This brings us back to Solomon. Jesus is the true King with the “understanding heart” that Solomon prayed for. He listens to the silent cry of the people. He balances the need for rest with the call to love.
10. We live in a world that pushes us to be productive machines. We are afraid to stop. We are afraid to admit we are weak like Solomon. We are afraid to be interrupted like the disciples.
11. Today, God invites us to drop the mask. Be humble enough to tell God, “I need your help.” Be wise enough to take a break and rest. And be loving enough to let your heart be moved by those who need you.
My Practice: Am I running the rat race of life without pausing to listen to God? When was the last time I admitted to God that I cannot handle things on my own? When plans change or people interrupt my rest, do I react with irritation or with the compassion of a shepherd?
