February 8, 2026: Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Gospel: Matthew 5:13-16

Jesus said to his disciples: “You are the salt of the earth. But if salt loses its taste, with what can it be seasoned? It is no longer good for anything but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. You are the light of the world. A city set on a mountain cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and then put it under a bushel basket; it is set on a lampstand, where it gives light to all in the house. Just so, your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father.”

Reflection

Today’s Gospel follows Jesus’ teaching of the Beatitudes that we reflected on last week. The words of this week’s Gospel are ones with which we are very familiar.

Jesus tells his followers (and us) that we are to be “salt of the earth” and “light of the world.” How would you interpret these words in today’s world?

Salt gives flavor, it spices things up and it also preserves. Light can make things known, it shows us the way and makes the darkness less fearful.

Perhaps at this time we are being asked to share Jesus’ teachings in a way that can give light and new understanding of how to live in today’s world.

Perhaps we are also needed to preserve the Christian Spirit of those first followers and continue to share God’s love that Jesus so generously shared with his followers.

We are needed to be the light of Christ to brighten the lives of those experiencing much darkness in these confusing times.

Action

Salt and light – everyday object that are needed in our lives. What if as we turn lights on in our homes – or salt our morning eggs – we ask ourselves how we can be light and sale in our small corner of the world?