Today, the Catholic Church listens to readings from Isaiah 58:7 – 10, 1 Corinthians 2:1 – 5, and Matthew 5:13 – 16. I thank Kalisho Info for the opportunity to share this reflection with you.
The Word of God meets us where we are as a people. Our country is living through political tension, deep divisions, and painful mistrust. Families, friends, and communities often find themselves on opposite sides. Words wound, anger grows, and fear quickly replaces dialogue. In such a moment, today’s readings speak with clarity and urgency to our hearts.
In the first reading, the prophet Isaiah reminds us what God truly desires. The Lord is not impressed by empty rituals or loud claims of righteousness. He calls for practical love. Share food with the hungry. Shelter the homeless. Remove oppression, false accusation, and harmful speech from among you. This message speaks directly to our time. When politics hardens hearts, when lies are used as tools, and when the suffering of ordinary people is ignored, God calls us back to justice and compassion. Isaiah teaches that true light does not rise through power or force, but through mercy and care for those in need.
In the second reading, Saint Paul offers another important lesson. He preached Christ crucified not with clever speech or human wisdom, but with humility and trust in God. This speaks to a nation filled with speeches, promises, and arguments. Paul reminds us that lasting change does not come from words alone. It comes from truth lived with humility. Our faith, and even our public life, must stand on God’s power, not on pride, intimidation, or fear.
In the Gospel, Jesus speaks clearly to every believer. You are the salt of the earth. You are the light of the world. These are not titles of honor but responsibilities. Salt preserves and gives meaning. Light reveals and guides. In a divided nation, Christians are called to protect what is good and to guide others toward reconciliation. Jesus warns that salt can lose its value and light can be hidden. When believers join hatred, spread falsehoods, or remain silent in the face of injustice, the Gospel loses its power.
Jesus calls us to let our light shine through good deeds. This light is seen when we choose dialogue instead of insults, truth instead of propaganda, and forgiveness instead of revenge. It shines when we refuse to dehumanize those who think differently and when we work for peace in our homes, communities, and nation. Reconciliation does not begin in conference halls. It begins in hearts willing to listen, to admit wrong, and to rebuild trust.
As we reflect on these readings, the Lord invites each of us to look within. Are we salt that heals or salt that harms. Are we light that guides or shadows that deepen division. May the Holy Spirit give us the courage to live our faith with integrity, so that even in times of political strain, our lives may quietly point others to God.
