Message for Meditation and Reflection (Sunday, February 8, 2026)

Message for Meditation and Reflection

In the first reading, Israel was practising false worship as opposed to offering true worship to God. This kind of worship would have prevented God from responding to their many requests. The servant of God told the people that what God truly desires is faithful worship. Faithful worship is marked by service to others, and anyone who practises this would have the light of God shine on them.

In the epistle reading, Paul recounts what lead him to Corinth and the essence of his ministry there. He reminded the Corinthians that his goal was to preach Christ crucified, noting that all he did was possible by the power of God. He also informed the believers that the mysteries of God are revealed only to those who love God. Those who love shine God’s light and show God’s wisdom.

In the gospel reading, Jesus tells His audience that true disciples are called to be salt and light in the world. Disciples are those who shine the light of God’s presence for others to see and give glory to God. Jesus also taught them saying, He is not in opposition to the law or the prophets. Rather he came to fulfill them and those who keep them are likewise great in the kingdom of God.

Disciples as the salt of the earth serve to bring purity, flavor and preservation. While disciples who are the light of the world should be an Instrument of hope and to expose the darkness of the world. Disciples of Christ should always allow their light to shine so others can see it and be led to become a disciple, thereby giving glory to God.

Jesus tells the disciples His mission is not to bring an end to the laws, but He came to ensure ]what was spoken by the law was being fulfilled. The people felt that he did not properly observe the sabbath, fast or practise many of the other rituals of the faith. One of their greatest challenge with Him was his association with sinners. Jesus rejected the charges, citing that he stands by the laws given to Moses and what was spoken by the prophets. He warns his listeners to be careful not to go against what was spoken by the forerunners, for to do this is to become the least in the kingdom of heaven. The reading ended with Jesus declaring to the audience that righteous living which exceeds that of the Scribes and Pharisees is required to be a part of God’s kingdom.