kellym40 faith

Today’s Word: 5th Sunday in Ordinary Time – February 8, 2026

Isaiah 58:7-10

Psalm 112:4-9

1 Corinthians 2:1-5

Matthew 5:13-16

As we move into the Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year A) of this liturgical year, we have readings today that seem to center on the transformative power of a lived faith. The scriptures today, especially the Gospel, talk about the light within us. That we are a light for all. The scriptures move us from abstract belief to visible action, challenging us to be a presence that can change the world. Or at least be a change for someone, who could go on and change someone else – and that someone changing someone, and so on and so on, which effectively, changes the world.

In the First Reading today, we hear from the Prophet Isaiah, who declares true worship is found in acts of mercy. Only then does our “light break forth like the dawn.” (Isaiah 58:8, The Great Adventure Bible, Revised Standard Version, 2nd Catholic Edition). The little acts of mercy and kindness that we all can do, true goodness and virtue is found. Isaiah writes, “to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the thongs of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke?” (Isaiah 58:6, The Great Adventure Bible, Revised Standard Version, 2nd Catholic Edition). Those are things we can do to transform people, transform the world. Isaiah continues and says to help feed the hungry, give shelter to the homeless, and clothe the naked. These are all kind acts we can follow. They also reflect a truth from the Beatitudes, which was the reading from Matthew last week.

Before the Second Reading, the Psalm carries this theme of light. In Verse 4, the Psalmist says, “Light rises in the darkness for the upright,” (Isaiah 58:4, The Great Adventure Bible, Revised Standard Version, 2nd Catholic Edition). For one who does good and shines for others has “distributed freely, he has given to the poor; his righteousness endures for ever,” (Isaiah 58:9, The Great Adventure Bible, Revised Standard Version, 2nd Catholic Edition).

St. Paul humbles himself, reminding us that faith does not rest on human wisdom or big words, but on the “power of God”  and the reality of Christ crucified. (1 Corinthians 2:5, The Great Adventure Bible, Revised Standard Version, 2nd Catholic Edition). True enlightenment comes from God and of the Holy Spirit. Humble yourself in His Glory and become a light for all to see.

The Gospel today continues from Matthew. As I mentioned, last week Jesus spoke to his disciples about the Beatitudes. These are simple actions you can take to conduct yourself in a blessed way for others, allowing yourself to be virtuous. Jesus tells his disciples directly, “You are the salt of the earth” and “the light of the world.” (Matthew 5:13, 14, The Great Adventure Bible, Revised Standard Version, 2nd Catholic Edition). He warns against salt losing its flavor and light being hidden. Jesus tells his disciples to not let their light fade or hide. Always be present so that people are able to see and continue what you have shown, as it is written, “Let your light so shine before men, that hey may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16. The Great Adventure Bible, Revised Standard Version, 2nd Catholic Edition). Give of yourselves to be the light to the world.

The following is from Father John Muir, a Catholic priest in the Diocese of Phoenix. He writes, “We know that giving bold witness to Jesus – through our words, values, or public choices – can make us targets for criticism, isolation, or judgment. That’s why Jesus’ words in today’s Gospel are so challenging. … A city on a hill draws attention. It also draws fire. But that’s part of the cost of discipleship. Jesus doesn’t call us to be tribal or boastful. He calls us to stand in the open with humble confidence, so that people might see our good deeds and glorify our Father in heaven.”

So let’s strengthen our confidence. Let’s strive to be that city on a hill, to be that beacon of light for the world to see. It may be easier said than done, but it is something we should all strive for. God Bless!

I will leave you with this verse: “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.” (Matthew 5:14, The Great Adventure Bible, Revised Standard Version, 2nd Catholic Edition).

kellym40 General

Be a light, make the world shine with light

Today I want to share with you a scripture passage that has as much meaning today as in any day. The scripture comes from Matthew 5:14 and reads as follows: “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.”

With all that is going on in the world, with its current state of affairs – and really for the last several years – some of humanity has lost its way it seems. We can all act too quickly to blame others or see fault in people, but cannot see our own shortcomings. Not everyone is like this, but it appears there are people that have this mentality, or thought.

In Matthew Chapter 7, Jesus says, “Why do you notice the splinter in your brother’s eye, but do not perceive the wooden beam in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me remove that splinter from your eye,’ while the wooden beam is in your eye? You hypocrite, remove the wooden beam from your eye first; then you will see clearly to remove the splinter from your brother’s eye.”

Martin Luther King, Jr. said, “Darkness cannot drive out darkness, only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that.” I think today’s passage (Matthew Chapter 5) reflects those words, and it is what we should all be asking ourselves. “Can I be a light the world needs?” It is possible that many don’t turn that light on for fear of ridicule or prosecution. Perhaps if we took a step, be bold (like Jesus), and let the light shine for others to see and not be like that town that is hidden, then it might give others the courage and strength to be bold as well and let more light shine upon this world.

It can be difficult I know. I struggle with this myself at times. But it is in God’s word that gives us hope, strength and courage. It is my hope that you can see that and accept His word to be a light unto this world. There are three simple ways to effectively allow God’s light to emanate through us: 1) Be an effective witness; 2) Serve others; 3) Fellowship with Christians.

Here is a simple prayer to ask for help in being that light: “Father, please teach me how to represent Jesus well in the world. Please help me to follow His ways and not my own. Please let me reflect Jesus into this broken and dark world. Amen.”

May we all be encouraged to shed light unto this world, just as Jesus did, so that we may become a united people and close the divide between us.