SOCL, 05A

Sunday, February 08, 2026

See

We can easily see how Jesus should be the light of the world. Even though the words are familiar, we are perhaps unaccustomed to reflecting on ourselves as the light of the world and salt of the earth. This is an act of profound trust in us by God. Jesus has faith in us to be bearers of his Good News in our time. How are we to be that? Not first by our words or even by our deeds. We are the light and salt on account of who we are as disciples. As the Gospel text puts it, a city built on a hilltop cannot be hidden. We cannot help being seen as his disciples, for that is who we are.

Listen

Isaiah 58:7-10; Psalm 112 (111); 1 Corinthians 2:1-5; Matthew 5:13-16

Reflect

(Matthew 5:13-16)

-Jesus uses the image of salt as something that makes food tasty. Without it food can be tasteless. Who are the people who give zest to your life and make it enjoyable? For whom have you done this? When have you been particularly aware of your potential in this regard?

-The second image is that of light. Who have been the people who have been a light for you, particularly in moments of darkness? For whom have you been a light? Recall these experiences and give thanks.

-The images of salt and light can also be applied to communities to which we belong, a family, a parish, or other group. Thinking of the groups of which you are a member, how can the potential be enhanced to enrich the lives of members and offer them a guiding light?

Pray

Heavenly Father, you have called your church to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world. Give us vigorous faith and a love that is genuine, so that all may see our works and give you the glory. We make our prayer through Christ, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever. Amen.

The Word today, 05A

February 09 - February 14, 2026

Monday 09 February

1 Kings 8:1-7, 9-13 The setting of the ark of the covenant in the Holy of Holies completes the dedication of the Temple. As often, the imagery of cloud—revealing and concealing—conveys the presence of God. Notice the lack of any graven images.

Mark 6:53-56 The Gospel of Mark is told in an urgent, breathless style. Today we hear one of those compressed summaries, capturing the popularity of Jesus among the sick.

Tuesday 10 February

St Scholastica, virgin and religious

1 Kings 8:22-23, 27-30 Every religion has somehow to manage or negotiate the nearness of God (immanence) and the beyond of God (transcendence). Solomon gets it right, in this moving prayer.

Mark 7:1-13 Before we plunge into a condemnation of the shallowness of the Pharisees, it is worth remembering that the rules were designed to bring an experience of God’s presence into the everyday. Of course, they could become obsessive and pointless—features not unknown in the churches’ various devotions! Jesus is sharp in his response, but not any more sharp than any of the prophets of old.

Wednesday 11 February

Our Lady of Lourdes

St Gobnait, virgin

1 Kings 10:1-10 Finally, the famous queen of Sheba visits to sample the wisdom of Solomon— which she (rightly) attributes to God.

Mark 7:14-23 This Gospel reflects an important moment for early Christianity. Although tied to a historical context, the principles are timeless. It is what is on the inside which counts.

Thursday 12 February

1 Kings 11:4-13 Under the guise of a prophetic judgment, the reading offers a broader “reading” of Israelite history: idolatry has disastrous consequences.

Mark 7:24-30 This story has always appealed — perhaps even more today. Jesus learns — at the hands of a woman!

Friday 13 February

1 Kings 11:29-32,12:19 This rather mysterious reading illustrates something familiar: frequently the prophets demonstrate their teaching with an action or a gesture, as in this reading.

Mark 7:31-37 A phrase from this Gospel has found its way into our baptismal ceremony. The priest touches the ears and mouth of the baby and says “ephphatha”. Today we get the context. We too can pray that our ears may be opened to the Gospel and that our mouths may be opened to proclaim it.

Saturday 14 February

Sts Cyril, monk, and Methodius, bishop, Patrons of Europe

Acts 13:46-49 Our reading is suitable for the feast because it shows us the motivation of two apostles, as they turn to the Gentiles. Cyril and Methodius were likewise apostles to the Slav peoples.

Luke 10:1-9 The sending of the seventy-two was an extension of ministry of Jesus which anticipated the wider sending to the Gentiles in the Acts of the Apostles. It is, therefore, very suitable for the feast. We too today are called to take the Gospel beyond our own circles and, in the current phrase, beyond our comfort zones.

References

-United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. (2026l, February 8). Fifth Sunday in ordinary time. USCCB. https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/020826.cfm

-Sunday readings. (n.d.-s). Hearers of the Word. https://www.tarsus.ie/SundayReadings

One another, 05A

February 08, 2026

Isaiah 58:7-10; Psalm 112 (111); 1 Corinthians 2:1-5; Matthew 5:13-16

To God who welcomes all in love, let us pray for the good of the church and the concerns of those in need:

For the Church: that we may be a light to our world and that our words and deeds may be instruments of healing and transformation for our society: let us pray to the Lord.

For courage: that we may awaken our society from complacency as we bring the insights and challenges of the Gospel into our neighborhoods, workplaces, and public discourse: let us pray to the Lord.

For freedom of spirit: that God will remove from our hearts any sense of entitlement and help us to recognize all that we have and are able to do are gifts from God: let us pray to the Lord.

For conversion of heart: that God will help us recognize the social impact of sin and guide our efforts to heal our society of racism, consumerism, and violence: let us pray to the Lord.

For all who reach out to the poor and those in need: that they may see the face of Christ in those whom they serve and never grow weary in offering love and compassion: let us pray to the Lord.

For leaders of business: that they may find the balance between financial success, the good of their co-workers, and the common good of society as they explore new opportunities: let us pray to the Lord.

For those who speak prophetic words: that their cry may be like salt, raising our awareness and stirring our desire for peace, justice, and solidarity: let us pray to the Lord.

For healing of the wounds of selfishness and violence: that God will bring wholeness to our hearts and spirits as we attend to the pain and suffering of others: let us pray to the Lord.

For all who face burnout: that God will heal the exhaustion of those who serve others, restore their spirits, and help them to encourage others to use their gifts: let us pray to the Lord.

For greater care for our common home: that we may grow in our respect for the earth as God’s gift to us and work to preserve it for future generations: let us pray to the Lord.

For world leaders: that they may continue to search for ways to heal ancient wounds and find ways of promoting peace and justice for all: let us pray to the Lord.

For all consecrated religious: that God will sustain them in their ministry and that they may be signs of God's faithfulness to all: let us pray to the Lord.

For all who are in need: that God will touch hearts and give courage to those who can bring food to the hungry, clothing to the naked, and justice to the oppressed: let us pray to the Lord.

For an end to gun violence: that God will awaken those who do not see the harm that comes from the use of guns and guide them in developing new policies for the good of society: let us pray to the Lord.

For all who have died in recent violence: that God will bring them to the fullness of life and comfort all who mourn their death: let us pray to the Lord.

God of every land and nation, you have created all people and you dwell among us in Jesus Christ. Listen to the cries of those who pray to you, and grant that, as we proclaim the greatness of your name, all people will know the power of love at work in the world. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

References

-United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. (2026l, February 8). Fifth Sunday in ordinary time. USCCB. https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/020826.cfm

-Cormier, J. (1995). Lord, Hear Our Prayer: Prayer of the Faithful for Sundays, Holy Days, and Ritual Masses.