February 08, 2026・5th Sunday in Ordinary Time (A)
- Bahay San Martin de Porres
- Feb 4
- 2 min read
Isaiah 58.7-10・Psalm 112.4, 6・1 Corinthians 2.1-5・Matthew 5.13-16
Today`s readings help us understand better what it means to be Jesus` followers. With a gospel reading that immediately follows from the gospel reading last week (the Sermon in the Mount re.Beatitudes), we ought to realize that “the Beatitudes well lived” means “seen and felt blessedness” by others. We are therefore reminded that the blessedness of Jesus` authentic follower is not just for one self. Jesus, in our Gospel reading today further stresses that each one should be salt and light in the world. Let us begin our reflection today with the simple images of light and salt, and recognize from the heart what these simple images/things in our daily life do to what they are intended.
Today`s reading from the book of prophet Isaiah continuously reminds us of our Lord`s advocacy for the hungry, the homeless and the naked in many and different ways.
Thus says the LORD: Share your bread with the hungry,
shelter the oppressed and the homeless; clothe the naked when you see them,
and do not turn your back on your own.
There is a call to compassion, and it can be the central message of our readings today. One finds healing and God`s love and compassion through people who humbly and courageously reach-out to them. Being able to attend to the immediate needs of people of our reach can be an easy and very possible start.
While each one (tries to) respond(s) to this sublime calling of reaching out to others with humility and compassion, may we and the people we serve at the same time find faith not solely, or maybe not at all, in human wisdom, but in God`s power. We reach -out not to insinuate that we have more, and that we are higher beings than them (others). Paul, in his letter to the Corinthians is very clear that he "reaches out with fear and weakness, focusing solely on Jesus Christ so that what remains is the power of the Spirit of the Lord." With bits and pieces (concoction) from our reflections today, may we have at least a glimpse of what it means to be a follower of Jesus.