February 8, 2026
5th Sunday
Ordinary Time
FOCUS: The just man is a light in darkness to the upright.
At our baptism, we receive the light of Christ. While this light of faith certainly illumines our path, it is also meant to be shared with others. Through our good works, the light of Christ shines forth, helping others to recognize the work of God in our lives and drawing them to give him thanks and praise.
What's in Your Heart
The point in today’s gospel reading is to be “salt”: not to lose your taste for life or the flavor you bring to it. God’s blessing is with you always, shining a light into the world for those seeking abundance. What do you contribute to life’s enhancement? How do you engage in the Lord’s “seasoning” of the world?
Homily Stories
Many saints, being humble folk, recoiled from the idea of letting others know of their goodness, and Jesus warns against doing good for admiration. Yet Isaiah reminds us to share our bread, to shelter the homeless, to clothe the naked—you can’t do that from hiding, without rubbing shoulders, getting your hands dirty. Which is it? Be visible in doing good, or invisible?
​
There is really no conflict. It’s all in the motivation. Evangelization or bringing the gospel to others, for example, demands visibility. It is a proclamation coming from your lips—or better, from your deeds—that God is present and alive in the world.
​
Even better than visibility is transparency: not drawing attention to yourself but rather allowing the Light of the World to shine through you, without hogging the spotlight. It’s tricky, but it can be done. Just consider Saint Paul Miki, the martyred Japanese Jesuit, who continued to preach the gospel even as the government grew hostile toward Chrisitianity. He gave his final sermon from the cross before his public crucifixion. His last words were expressions of the truth of his deeds: “After Christ’s example, I forgive my persecutors. I do not hate them. I ask God to have pity on all, and I hope my blood will fall on my fellow men as a fruitful rain.”
​
