Scripture Reflection - February 8, 2026

Fifth Sunday of Ordinary Time

First Reading: Isaiah 58: 7-10

Second Reading: Corinthians 2:1-5

Gospel: Matthew 5:13-16

“The just one is a light in darkness to the upright.”

Ps.112: 4-5; 6-7; 8-9

At this time in our history, where fear and despair abound throughout our world due to war, oppression, and injustice, the readings for this Sunday call us to be mindful of our mission to bring the light of Christ to our corner of the world.

The first reading from Isaiah reminds us that when we respond to those in need, our light shall break forth like the dawn. When we give bread to the hungry and assist the afflicted, light shall rise for us in the darkness, and gloom will become as day.

Paul, in his letter to the Corinthians, speaks of his own weaknesses and afflictions and reminds those before him that their faith cannot rest on human wisdom, but on the power of God.

In the Gospel reading, Matthew teaches that those gathered to hear his preaching must let their light shine before others, so that they may see their good deeds and glorify their heavenly Father.

As followers of Jesus, we are called to bring the Light of Christ to our broken world. It is only in our awareness of the presence of God in our own lives that we are able to experience that light within.  It is then that we will be able to radiate the light of Christ to all those we encounter each day.

St. Augustine, in his Confessions, speaks of the fountain of life being with God and that “in his light, we shall see light.” Once turned to the unfailing light, we, too, can become light. By God’s gift, we are inflamed and carried upward. We glow inwardly and go forward in mission, radiating the warmth of his abiding presence in our own lives. In this way, we are able to bring the healing presence of God into our daily lives and become instruments of peace for others.

As we place ourselves in God’s presence each day and allow his light to fill us, may we accept his call to be instruments of his love. In the midst of the darkness and the confusion of these times, we need to allow God’s presence to illuminate our inner being, so that his love can radiate through us.

If we continue to be who God meant us to be, we, like St. Catherine of Siena, will be able to set the world on fire with God’s Love.

Sr. Mary Doris, OP