Gospel Reflection Feb 5 – Msgr. Hendricks
Sunday, February 5
Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Matthew 5: 13-16
Gospel:
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.”
Gospel Reflection:
This week’s gospel follows up the last week’s gospel as Jesus continues His teaching from the Sermon on the Mountain.
The two features of this teaching are salt and light. There were both important and life-sustaining for the people of the first century. While Jesus urges his followers to become salt and light for the world, He cautions the followers to avoid allowing their accomplishments to be a source of personal pride. Good deeds must be for the sake of others, and ultimately done for the glory of God’s name in whom we are asked to place our trust and give over our hearts to Him.
While the season of Lent approaches in a few weeks, we take this lesson to heart as we begin to plan for this season of renewal of our spirit.
Monsignor Hendricks