First reading Isaiah 58:7-10
Then will your light shine like the dawn
Thus says the Lord:
Share your bread with the hungry,
and shelter the homeless poor,
clothe the man you see to be naked
and do not turn from your own kin.
Then will your light shine like the dawn
and your wound be quickly healed over.
Your integrity will go before you
and the glory of the Lord behind you.
Cry, and the Lord will answer;
call, and he will say, ‘I am here.’
If you do away with the yoke,
the clenched fist, the wicked word,
if you give your bread to the hungry,
and relief to the oppressed,
your light will rise in the darkness,
and your shadows become like noon.
Responsorial Psalm 111(112):4-9
Second reading 1 Corinthians 2:1-5
The only knowledge I claimed was of the crucified Christ
When I came to you, brothers, it was not with any show of oratory or philosophy, but simply to tell you what God had guaranteed. During my stay with you, the only knowledge I claimed to have was about Jesus, and only about him as the crucified Christ. Far from relying on any power of my own, I came among you in great ‘fear and trembling’ and in my speeches and the sermons that I gave, there were none of the arguments that belong to philosophy; only a demonstration of the power of the Spirit. And I did this so that your faith should not depend on human philosophy but on the power of God.
Gospel Matthew 5:13-16
Your light must shine in the sight of men
Jesus said to his disciples: ‘You are the salt of the earth. But if salt becomes tasteless, what can make it salty again? It is good for nothing, and can only be thrown out to be trampled underfoot by men.
‘You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill-top cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp to put it under a tub; they put it on the lamp-stand where it shines for everyone in the house. In the same way your light must shine in the sight of men, so that, seeing your good works, they may give the praise to your Father in heaven.’
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Salt and light
“Share your bread with the hungry and shelter the homeless poor, clothe the man you see to be naked and turn not from your own kin. Then will your light shine like the dawn…” These words are taken from today’s first reading, where God’s call to action compels us to engage in practical acts of love and compassion towards others. By responding to these needs, we let our inner light shine brightly, revealing His presence to those around us. God values genuine love over outward, public religious displays. Today, let us serve those in need and become agents of justice and hope.
In the gospel, Jesus calls us to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world. Salt quietly preserves, gives flavour, and prevents decay, much like our faith should add meaning to life and help fight indifference and injustice. Light reveals hope in darkness, reminding us that our good works should lead others to glorify God. Being salt and light is not about extraordinary actions but being faithful in everyday moments by choosing kindness, justice, and compassion. Through these small acts, we make God’s presence tangible in the world.
Reflective question:
What is one concrete step I can take to be salt and light for someone?
Acknowledgment: Reflections are based on “Prayer for Living: The Word of God for Daily Prayer Year A” by Sr Maria Jose FMVD
