Fifth Sunday of Ordinary Time, Sunday, February 8, 2026

Reflection on the WORD

“God’s Love” – Faith: Jesus proclaimed that “salt” and “light” have purpose that must be used. Ponder on, “When God Created us, out of Love, He Desired that we also love Him in return: with our whole heart, mind, strength and soul. St Ignatius of Loyola says, “The purpose of our lives is to praise, reverence and serve God, and save our souls.”

Matthew 5:13-16

Jesus said to his disciples: ‘You are salt for the earth. But if salt loses its taste, what can make it salty again? It is good for nothing, and can only be thrown out to be trampled under people's feet.

‘You are light for the world. A city built on a hill-top cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp to put it under a tub; they put it on the lamp-stand where it shines for everyone in the house. In the same way your light must shine in people's sight, so that, seeing your good works, they may give praise to your Father in heaven.’

Today's Pointers on God's Word

As you read the passage what words, phases or meanings caught your attention?

  • Jesus wants us to make Him known by being His “light” and “salt” in this world of darkness and falsehood.
  • As we follow Jesus more closely, our lives will change for the better. Our selfishness will give way to service; idle time will become opportunities for prayer. Others who see the Light of Jesus in us will want to follow Him as well.
  • Take some time off today to examine the way you are living and ask yourself, “How can I follow Jesus more closely?”