Reflection for February 8 Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time: Matthew 5:13-16

Gospel: Matthew 5:13-16

Jesus said to his disciples: "You are the salt of the earth. But if salt loses its taste, with what can it be seasoned? It is no longer good for anything but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. 

You are the light of the world. A city set on a mountain cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and then put it under a bushel basket; it is set on a lampstand, where it gives light to all in the house. Just so, your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father."

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Reflection:

The story is told about a hardworking single mother who was able to bring up her children and send them to college by herself. She stood strong through life’s struggles, trusting that God would provide for their needs. This same single mother also became the bond that kept her siblings closely knit, reminding us that love, when rooted in sacrifice, has the power to hold families together.

Every now and then, she would reach out to help her poor siblings. Being the eldest, she patiently counseled them. Whenever they needed help, she was always there to give it—without any strings attached. In many ways, this extraordinary woman reflects what Jesus said to His disciples: “You are the salt of the earth and the light of the world.”

What does salt give? Salt gives flavor to food. It defines taste. It also acts as a preservative that prevents meat from decaying. In the same way, when we allow God to work in us, we bring flavor, meaning, and direction to the lives of the people around us. Through love, sacrifice, and perseverance, we help preserve one another from losing hope and from going astray.

And what did Jesus mean when He said that we are the light of the world? Jesus calls us to illuminate the lives of others through our actions, our kindness, and our compassion. When we serve with humility and love, expecting nothing in return, we reflect His light to a world that often walks in darkness.

Therefore, the challenge for all of us is to become salt and light in the lives of the people around us—within our families, among our friends, in our workplaces, and even to those who know us although we may not personally know them. Every small act of love, every quiet sacrifice, and every moment of patience can become a light that leads others closer to God.

 When the love and humility of Jesus are deeply rooted in our lives, we naturally become salt that gives life and light that gives hope to others. —Marino J. Dasmarinas