Fifth Sunday of the Year: A: February 8, 2026

 THE SALT OF THE EARTH AND THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD

Introduction: In today's Gospel, Jesus challenges us to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world. We are called to be radically committed to the teachings of Jesus by preserving the quality of God's creation. We are asked to be light that bear witness to the eternal 'Light' and spread it in the world around us. 

First Reading: Isaiah 58: 7 to 10 

Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 2: 1 to 5

Gospel Reading: Matthew 5: 13 to 16

   *First reading is from the book of prophet Isaiah. Isaiah tells the people of Israel who want to restore the glory of Jerusalem temple, that what God wants from them is not a great temple, but doing justice to the poor and to the needy. He instructs them to turn their prayers into action and share their riches with the poor. Isaiah assures them that when they show concern for others especially the poor, then their light will break forth like the sun. 

   *Second reading is from the first letter of St. Paul to Corinthians. Paul explains to the Christian community at Corinth that when he brought them the message of the Gospel, he did not rely on human wisdom and his own cleverness but on the power of God. He reminds them that for him, living the message of the Lord is more urgent and important than all his eloquence. 

Let your light shine                                                                            Today's Gospel reading is from St. Matthew. Jesus instructs His disciples (and us) what they (we) are expected to do in the world: To be the salt of the earth and the light of the world. After His discourse on beatitudes - the blessed ones in the kingdom of God - He explains to them how these blessed ones should actually live the the world. Jesus uses two familiar metaphors to explain His teachings: 1. 'You are the salt of the earth'. Salt has to give saltiness to the earth and taste to the food. So also disciples should show that they are genuine disciples by their day to day actions of love and compassion to the people around them. 2. Jesus tells them, 'You are the light of the world.' Light is not a private energy. It is not for hiding or hoarding. Light should be placed where it shines for everyone. So also, to be disciples of Jesus is something worth radiating and shinning. As disciples of Jesus, we should give the world taste of the teachings of Christ by preserving the world from decay and loses. So also, when we give hope and consolation to the world around us through our love and acts of charity, then we become the light of the world, no matter what the darkness around us be. In this context,. Malcom Muggeridge, a famous writer says the following about St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta: "She showed me love in action. She showed me how the love of one person can start a tidal wave that can spread across the world." 

Conclusion: The metaphor of salt and light challenges us to have a holistic attitude which is brought about by the love of God and love of neighbour as elaborated by Jesus. We are the salt of the earth and the light of the world . So we have to become one with the nurturing, preserving the ever creative power of God. We have to accept, live, communicate and radically bear witness to the 'Light' that shines on us. At our baptism, we received a lit candle and were told: "Receive the light of Christ." That light is not to be hidden but should light up the word around us. Jesus tells us, "Let your light so shine before men that, they may see your good works and give glory to your Father, who is in heaven." 

May the Lord Jesus, who invites us to be salt of the earth and light of the world, bless you and strengthen you so that you can be the salt of the earth and light of the world every day of your life. Amen. 

(Kindly note: Sunday Reflections with Fr. Joy Joseph is available on YouTube. Please view, like, share and subscribe to the video version on YouTube. "YouTube/Sunday Reflections with Fr. Joy Joseph, February 8, 2026)