The thoughts and writings of Fr. Lawrence E. Polansky, a Priest of the Diocese of Camden
Daily Homilies
02/14/2026 -- Cyril, Monk and Methodius, Bishop
Our Gospel today tells us that the people “ate and were satisfied” (Mk 8:8). If we are honest, most of us may find that a little hard to believe. Most of the time, our longing is insatiable. However, God alone can satisfy the desires of our hearts.
02/13/2026 -- Friday, 5th Week in Ordinary Time
In many places in Saint Mark’s Gospel, Jesus heals with a word: “Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace and be healed of your disease” (Mk 5:34), or, “I do will it. Be clean” (Mk 1:41). Today, we see Jesus healing a deaf and mute man specifically through touch.
02/12/2026 -- Thursday, 5th Week in Ordinary Time
In the First Reading today, we see Solomon, the son of David, being tempted and drawn by his Gentile wives to worship pagan gods. Solomon’s abandonment of the worship of the one true God is a tragic moment in Israel’s history that eventually leads to the breakup of the Davidic kingdom.
02/11/2026 -- Our Lady of Lourdes
Today’s readings are about true wisdom, the wisdom that comes from God and enables us to discern right from wrong and then live it consciously and conscientiously. We know that Solomon, later in life, abandoned the gift of wisdom he had sought from God, but in today’s reading, the queen of Sheba arrives at the highpoint of Solomon’s reign when his faithfulness to God could not be questioned.
02/10/2026 -- Scholastica, Virgin
Jesus speaks a challenging word to us to in today’s Gospel: true devotion consists not merely in words, but in fulfilling what God actually requires of us.
02/09/2026 -- Monday of the 5th Week in Ordinary Time
Our readings today show the power of God’s presence. In the First Reading, the Lord’s presence fills the Temple that Solomon built. The signs of His presence are powerful and dramatic – as all the people process to the Temple, the cloud fills it so fully that the priests cannot even remain inside. It is obvious for all present that this is where the Lord now dwells.
02/07/2026 -- Blessed Virgin Mary on Saturday, Seat of Wisdom
When we offer a listening ear to someone in need or simply pray for peace in our world, we are carrying out acts of service. We do these things day after day without ever thinking about them. But as we pour ourselves out in humble and steadfast service of His kingdom, our God provides for all our needs.
02/06/2026 -- Paul Miki & Companions, Martyrs
Jesus began His public ministry as a rabbi. Like many others within Judaism, He taught a specific group of followers, for He was learned in the Jewish Scriptures and religious literature of His day.
02/05/2026 -- Agatha, Virgin & Martyr
The Liturgy … the Mass … is often referred to as a sacrifice … the Sacrifice of the Mass. In the Byzantine Church, it is often referred to as the “Sacrifice of Praise” … “an offering of peace … the sacrifice of praise.” These ideas are often connected to our renewed worship today and this is absolutely essential in the light of the liturgical renewal of the Second Vatican Council.
02/04/2026 -- Wednesday, Fourth Week in Ordinary Time
In today’s Gospel, Jesus returns to His home community. The people at His synagogue are astonished at His wisdom and insight into the Sacred Scriptures. However, their familiarity with Jesus and His family made it difficult for them to accept Him as a prophet, let alone the promised messiah.
02/03/2026 -- Ansgar, Bishop
Blaise, Bishop & Martyr
We hear throughout our lives, and in our faith journeys, about those who have been healed even after Jesus left this earth. That is because He left His Advocate for us, the Holy Spirit. Through the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, Jesus remains with us, present in Word and Sacrament, and responsive to the needs of His people.
02/02/2026 -- Feast of the Presentation of the Lord
Today is the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord or Candlemas. It is one of the significant 40-day periods we keep throughout the liturgical year – 40 days after Christmas … 40 days after the Birth of Our Lord. Also, February 2 is winter’s halfway mark (and let’s not forget Punxsutawney Phil and Groundhogs’ Day!).