5th Sunday in Ordinary Time: February 08, 2026
Readings: Isaiah 58:7–10; Psalm 112:4–9; 1 Corinthians 2:1–5; Matthew 5:13–16
What is it that makes us needed in this world? It is when we feel loved, cared for, and sought after. However, to have such an aspiration, we too must be men and women of compassion, love, joy and peace. It means that we must be of some use to others. We must be men and women of such a nature that we have something to contribute to the lives of others, or to do something for the welfare of people. This makes our lives meaningful, purposeful and joyful. The liturgical readings on this 5th Sunday in Ordinary Time invite us to make our lives purposeful, meaningful and useful just as the salt of the earth and lamp on a lampstand, as Jesus narrates the metaphors that could be applied very well to our lives as well.
1. Making life beautiful with simple things
In the Gospel of Matthew 5:13–16, Jesus speaks to us in images that are ordinary, almost humble—salt and light—yet charged with quiet power. He does not speak about rocket science. Through simple things, he makes us think big. He does not ask us to become something extraordinary or rare; he reminds us of what we already are. You are the salt of the earth. You are the light of the world. Not “you should be,” but “you are.” The call of discipleship begins not with achievement, but with identity.
Salt does not exist for itself. It dissolves, disappears, and yet transforms everything it touches. A pinch is enough to bring life to what would otherwise be tasteless. Jesus calls us to be authentic. We must not look for applause or recognition. We should be what we are called to be. We are not here to dominate others. Just like salt preserves what is good, heals what is wounded, we too are called to bring meaning, purpose and joy to our lives and the lives of others.
2. Being courageous witnesses of the Gospel
It is said, don't curse the darkness but the light candle. Light drives away darkness. You cannot keep the lighted candle hidden for long. Every inch of flame and light pushes back the darkness. Jesus does not say we must create the light; he says we must not hide it. Often, it is fear, comfort, or the desire to blend in that tempts us to place the lamp under a basket. We worry about being judged, misunderstood, or rejected. But the Gospel says that the light we carry is not meant to protect us, but to guide others. Jesus emphasizes our unique role as mediators and guides, taking others along with us to be partakers of divine nature.
St Paul makes a startling confession. He did not come with lofty words or clever philosophies, but with fear, trembling, and a single focus—Jesus Christ, and him crucified. St Paul realized, when human strength loosens its grip, God’s power finds room to act. Faith, he insists, must rest not on the brilliance of human reasoning, but on the power of God. In a world that values performance, efficiency, and visible success, when it calls to prove ourselves, competent and convincing, we must fall back to St Paul's wisdom. Everything cannot be explained but slowly must be grasped.
Questions for self-reflection
- In what ways am I being called to be salt—bringing meaning, healing, or hope—into the ordinary situations of my daily life?
- Do my actions quietly point others toward God, or do they draw attention mainly to myself?
- Where might God be inviting me to trust that even small acts of goodness can make a real difference?
- Do we rely too heavily on our abilities, our knowledge, or our religious credentials? Or are we willing to stand, like Paul, in humility, allowing God to be God?
Prayer:
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