Friday, 6 February 2026 Friday in the Fourth Week in Ordinary Time – Year II Saints Paul Miki and Companions, Martyrs Readings on p. 1889 and Antiphons on p. 773 of the Daily Missal.

Send us Fan MailEntrance Antiphon The souls of the Saints are rejoicing in heaven, the Saints who followed the footsteps of Christ, and since for love of him they shed their blood, they now exult with Christ for ever.First Reading: Sirach 47:2-11A reading from the Book of Sirach.As the fat is selected from the peace offering, so David was selected from the sons of Israel.He played with lions as with young goats, and with bears as with lambs of the flock.In his youth did he not kill a giant, and take away reproach from the people, when he lifted his hand with a stone in the sling and struck down the boasting of Goliath?For he appealed to the Lord, the Most High, and he gave him strength in his right hand to slay a man mighty in war, to exalt the power of his people.So they glorified him for his ten thousands, and praised him for the blessings of the Lord, when the glorious diadem was bestowed upon him.For he wiped out his enemies on every side, and annihilated his adversaries the Philistines; he crushed their power even to this day.In all that he did, he gave thanks to the Holy One, the Most High, with ascriptions of glory; he sang praise with all his heart, and he loved his Maker.He placed singers before the altar, to make sweet melody with their voices.He gave beauty to the feasts, and arranged their times throughout the year, while they praised God’s holy name, and the sanctuary resounded from early morning.The Lord took away his sins, and exalted his power for ever; he gave him the covenant of kings and a throne of glory in Israel.The Word of the Lord.Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 18:31.47 & 50.51 (R. see 47b)R/. Blest be the God of my salvation!As for God, his way is blameless;the word of the Lord is pure.He indeed is the shieldof all who trust in him.The Lord lives, and blest be my Rock!May the God of my salvation be exalted,So I will praise you, Lord, among the nations;to your name will I sing a psalm.The Lord gives great victories to his king,and shows merciful love for his anointed,for David and his seed forever.R/. Blest be the God of my salvation!Alleluia, Alleluia.Blessed are those who, hearing the word, hold it fast in an honest and good heart, and bring forth fruit with patience.Alleluia.Gospel: Mark 6:14-29A reading from the Holy Gospel according to Mark.At that time: King Herod heard of Jesus; for his name had become known. Some said, “John the Baptist has been raised from the dead; that is why these powers are at work in him.” But others said, “It is Elijah.” And others said, “It is a prophet, like one of the prophets of old.” But when Herod heard of it he said, “John, whom I beheaded, has been raised.” For Herod had sent and seized John, and bound him in prison for the sake of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife; because he had married her. For John said to Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.” And Herodias had a grudge against him and wanted to kill him. But she could not, for Herod feared John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man, and kept him safe. When he heard him, he was much perplexed; and yet he heard him gladly. But an opportunity came when Herod on his birthday gave a banquet for his courtiers and officers and the leading men of Galilee. For when Herodias’ daughter came in and danced, she pleased Herod and his guests; and the king said to the g