Walking with Jesus: Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time A

For Sunday, February 8, 2026

Isaiah 58:7-10, 1 Corinthians 1:1-5, Matthew 5:13-16


I look back and remember, and I reflect on when: When did I learn how to do things? Little things? When do we develop confidence in ourselves? Is it when we learn how to put together toys, games? When we learn how to throw and bat a ball? When we play with and dress dolls? Confidence comes when we KNOW we can do something for ourselves ... and we feel a sense of pride for having mastered the ability. Our lives are a series of discovering that we can do things … be successful. And compliments come, building us up.

But can we also remember times when this confidence was hindered or smashed — when when we were told it was bad or we were no good? Unfortunately there are individuals who cannot or will not help us develop into the person God intends us to be — a person of love, caring and forgiveness, helping those in need. In today’s readings Jesus instructs us on the meaning of discipleship: How God loves us just the way we are, and through His help (grace) He gives us the means to be people of love: His disciples.

Today we look again at the wisdom of His teaching. Jesus uses the metaphor of light and salt, which might seem strange at first — but it reveals the connection between what a disciple is and what a disciple does. How do I talk the talk and walk the walk? This idiom implies that when a person talks the talk but does not walk the walk, they're not acting in a way that supports the things they say. Similar age-old sayings reinforce this adage: Actions speak louder than words — practice what you preach — walk it like you talk it. When we reflect on the “leaders” who taught us ... influenced us ... the people we looked up to ... they were people who talked the talk and walked the walk. This strengthened their ability to influence others like you and me. This “ability” gave us confidence in trying to be the best person we could be; really, the person God planned and needed us to be.

Isaiah maps out the type of behavior required if one is to be a “disciple.” He lists ethical mandates rather than religious practices. So when I see … hear … speak … a social responsibility, I can see God’s love for me as a foundation for my responding in love and what my life and heaven is all about: “Come, you are blessed by My Father. Inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. ‘For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me, naked and you clothed me, ill and you cared for me, in prison and you visited me.’” [Matthew 25:34-36] Notice how Isaiah addresses some of the most basic human needs — food, shelter and clothing. In his writings he is insistent on meeting the needs of others. How are we in doing this? When it becomes a part of our lives, we gain confidence in discovering the art of loving and caring.

In last week’s passage Paul reminded the Corinthian Christians of their lowly status in society. This was not an insult but a reminder explaining that their lowliness allowed the power, grace and help of God to shine forth. God each day is present, helping, leading you and me to be the better person we are called to be — a person of love. Jesus is our model. When I have problems, do I let go and let GOD? Or is it all about me? This is a worthwhile reflection.

Matthew continues with Jesus’ idioms. Today we hear so much about salt being bad for our heart health. Jesus, on the other hand, looks at how valuable it is for preserving, seasoning and purifying food and for fertilizing. In the Old Testament, salt is used in various sacrifices [Leviticus 2:13] and as a means of sealing certain covenants [Numbers 18:19]. In a real sense, salt loses its identity when it acts on another entity: food. And when it loses its taste it is useless. Our value is measured according to how our gifts — especially loving — are used or withheld. It is similar with light: We are the light of the world; the light of our world. Do we hide our gifts or use them? Why are we reluctant? Is it lack of confidence? Lack of interest? Lack of desire?
 
We all remember the song: This little light of mine … I’m gonna let it shine … then hide it under a bushel … OH NO … let it shine. Little kids love this song, and we repeat it right along with them. Well, how is this light in me — the gifts of a loving laugh, smile, hand, a caring face — used? Abused? Refused? Civil Rights-era freedom singer Rutha Mae Harris provided instructions for singing this song: “You can’t just sing it — you have to shout it!” So how am I doing loving?

So I reflect on:

• The image of light is used as the cause and agent of justice and peace. Do I hide my light because of fear for myself and my loved ones, or because I just don’t want to get involved in God’s work of justice and peace for all?
• What do I have to do to set people free — to live with dignity and kinship in the world?

Sacred Space 2026 states:

“Occasionally, Lord, the conditions are very stormy as we go about our world, and it’s hard to hold a steady course in high winds. We may remember instances when we felt less than steady in our following of Christ. We ask You, Lord, to continue to walk alongside us as we try to shadow you — and to let us feel Your presence.”