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Contents: Volume 2 5th Sunday in Ordinary Time 2/8/2026
1. -- Lanie LeBlanc OP -2. -- 3. --
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****************************************************** In our day and in our time, almost everyone is talking about some form of serious, seemingly unsolvable problem and what to do about it. In my opinion, this seems like a consistent pattern, with different details, but, since Jesus' time, with the same solution. This Sunday’s scripture readings tell all of us, Christians and non-Christians alike, exactly what to do.
Way back when, even before Jesus, the Lord spoke through Isaiah about what to do: “Share your bread with the hungry, shelter the oppressed and the homeless; clothe the naked when you see them, and do not turn your back on your own.” We and our ancestors are also told to “remove from your midst oppression, false accusation, and malicious speech.” There is The Plan, now what?
In our second reading, the first Letter to the Corinthians, we are told part of the answer. We are to rely, not on ourselves, but on the power of God. We are to proclaim Jesus and Jesus crucified, the Good News.
In the Gospel reading according to Matthew, Jesus provides ample encouragement for this difficult task. We are told that the disciples and we “are salt of the earth and the light of the world”. You may be among those who understandably react with some version of “who me?”
If Jesus as God Incarnate thinks so, and we are told to rely on the power of God, then together we got this! We can start slowly by being available to our own families and communities. We can start to be salt by being better examples of mercy, compassion, forgiveness, and reconciliation. We can shed light in whatever darkness is near by being the glimmer that someone’s gentle presence can add to hope. Oh yes, no being too salty or Pollyanna-ish please, we just need to try to be recognizable to ourself and others as an authentic Jesus-follower, based on what Jesus did! So now what?
Blessings, Dr. Lanie LeBlanc OP Southern Dominican Laity
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****************************************************** ****************************************************** 4. ****************************************************** ****************************************************** 5. ****************************************************** Volume 2 is for you. These reflections follow the Liturgical Calendar and appear here about mid week each week. They are written by various guest authors. If you would like to submit a reflection of your own, then click here to send an email request to post to the Webmaster. Deadline is Monday morning of each week for the upcoming Sunday.
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A service of The Order of Preachers,
The Dominicans. (form revised 10/13/2025) |
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