MONTHLY DEVOTIONAL FOR 10 FEBRUARY
February 10, 2026
TODAY’S GOSPEL READING – 10 FEBRUARY
February 10, 2026
BACKGROUND AND WITNESS
Saint Jerome Emiliani was a 16th-century Italian soldier who experienced a profound conversion after being captured during war. Turning from a life of military ambition to one of service, he dedicated himself to caring for orphans, the poor, and the abandoned, eventually founding the Clerks Regular of Somasca.
“Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to care for orphans and widows in their distress.”
— James 1:27
His transformation reveals how God can reshape even the most unexpected lives into instruments of mercy. Jerome’s witness teaches that no past is beyond redemption when the heart turns sincerely toward God.
CONVERSION THROUGH SUFFERING
Jerome’s turning point came during his imprisonment, when he realized the emptiness of worldly pursuits and sought God’s help. Through suffering and prayer, he found freedom not just physically but spiritually.
“It is good for me that I was afflicted, that I might learn your statutes.”
— Psalm 119:71
He is known to have entrusted himself to the Blessed Virgin Mary during his captivity, later dedicating his life entirely to God’s service. His journey reminds believers that trials often become sacred doorways through which God leads souls to deeper faith and transformation.
COMPASSION FOR THE MOST VULNERABLE
Moved by the plight of orphaned and abandoned children, especially during times of famine and plague, Jerome devoted himself to their physical and spiritual well-being. He provided shelter, education, and Christian formation, treating them with fatherly love.
“Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”
— Matthew 19:14
Saint Jerome is remembered for saying, “Serve the poor as if they were Christ Himself.” His life teaches that genuine love of God naturally overflows into tender care for those most in need.
FAITH EXPRESSED THROUGH ACTION
Jerome did not limit his devotion to prayer alone; he organized communities, created schools, and formed companions who shared his mission. His service demonstrated that faith becomes complete when expressed through works of love.
“Faith by itself, if it has no works, is dead.”
— James 2:17
Through practical charity and spiritual leadership, he showed that holiness flourishes when belief is lived out in daily acts of generosity and responsibility toward others.
TRUST IN DIVINE PROVIDENCE
Despite immense challenges such as disease, poverty, and limited resources, Jerome relied entirely on God’s providence. Even while caring for plague victims, he remained steadfast in his trust in God’s sustaining grace.
“Cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.”
— 1 Peter 5:7
His surrender demonstrates that when believers place their mission in God’s hands, He provides strength, guidance, and fruitfulness beyond human expectation.
SACRIFICIAL LOVE UNTIL THE END
Saint Jerome eventually contracted the plague while caring for the sick and dying. He accepted suffering with humility, offering his life in service to others until his death in 1537.
“Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”
— John 15:13
His final witness reflects Christ-like love that holds nothing back. Jerome’s life invites believers to practice sacrificial love, reminding them that true discipleship often calls for self-giving service.
MESSAGE FOR TODAY
Saint Jerome Emiliani inspires Christians to transform personal struggles into opportunities for service and compassion. In a world where many still suffer neglect, poverty, and loneliness, his example calls believers to respond with active mercy and loving responsibility.
“Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and He will repay him for his deed.”
— Proverbs 19:17
His life assures us that when hearts are surrendered to God, ordinary lives become channels of extraordinary grace, bringing hope and healing to those most forgotten.
