February 14, 2026 // Memorial of Saints Cyril, Monk, and Methodius, Bishop
Read the Word // Open your Bible to today’s Gospel: Mark 8:1-10
Reflect on the Word //
For the third time that night, I awoke to the shrill bark of my toy poodle and her wide brown eyes just inches from my own. I rolled over to peek at my alarm clock and groaned resignedly. At fifteen minutes to five, there would be no falling back asleep now. The first school day back from Christmas break awaited my groggy mind and irritated eyelids, caring nothing for the intermittent sleep of the night before or its ensuing exhaustion. I stumbled grumpily to the bathroom and decided I needed a treat from my favorite coffee shop to give me the energy to face the day. It was simply too much to expect my feeble yes to power me on its own.
In today’s Gospel, the disciples, too, are looking elsewhere for a solution to their problems. I can imagine them, wringing their hands helplessly as they survey the crowd and wonder, “Where can anyone get enough bread to satisfy them here in this deserted place?” (Mark 8:4) I can also imagine the playful quirk of our Lord’s lips as He knows how He will intervene. And I love how He doesn’t exactly answer their question. Instead, He turns a question back on them: “How many loaves do you have?” (Mark 8:5, emphasis added). And from their meager offering, He provides abundantly.
Sister, it really is enough—in fact, it is more than enough—to just show up and give the Lord whatever you have. Even if it doesn’t feel like enough. Even if you have no idea how you’ll get through the day. Sometimes caffeine might be part of the Lord’s abundant provision, and sometimes He might simply give us the grace to arrive at work or to serve our families in love when we didn’t think we could even get out of bed. And nothing we give to Him will ever be wasted; it will only be multiplied.
Relate to the Lord // Enjoy a cup of coffee (or any beverage) with the Lord today.
Dr. Sarah Zentner is a bibliophile and “hygge” enthusiast who delights in steaming mugs of tea, freshly baked pastries, the Little Way, and all things true, good, and beautiful. She holds a Ph.D. in English from the Catholic University of America and lives with her toy poodle, JoJo, in Washington, D.C., where she teaches literature at an all-girls Catholic secondary school.
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