Shikrot Mpwi – Sunday Synopsis
Fr. Justine John DYIKUK
Dear friends in Christ,
On the Fifth Sunday of the Year, A (08 February 2026), I bring you greetings and God’s blessings!
Theme: Seasoning the world, lighting the nations
Introduction
Friends in Christ, today, we are presented with the challenge of transforming the world. In the first reading, the Prophet Isaiah urges the people to share their bread with the hungry and shelter the homeless poor. In the second reading, St. Paul invites us to rely on the power of God. The gospel charges the faithful to be salt of the earth and the light of the world – an invitation to provide seasoning to a world that seems tasteless with unloving actions.
Overview of the Readings
In the first reading (Is. 58:7-10), the Prophet Isaiah urges the people to share their bread with the hungry, shelter the homeless poor, clothe the naked and help their kith and kin. He challenges them to embrace integrity while assuring that anyone who shares his or her bread with the hungry and provides relief for the oppressed would shine in the darkness and their shadows become like noon.
In the second reading (1st Cor. 2:1-5), St. Paul invites Christians to depend totally on God’s power. The Pauline message suggests that it is only God’s power at work in the faithful that can enable everyone to be salt of the earth and light of the world.
The gospel (Mat. 5:13-16) resounds the call to be light bearers. Jesus insists that if salt loses its taste, it can no longer be seasoned or useful but thrown out and trampled underfoot. He also clarifies that no one lights a lamp and puts it under a bushel – instead, it is put on a lampstand where it gives light to everyone in the house.
Takeaway Lessons
1. The first reading challenges us to be there for others by embracing a practical religion which feeds the hungry, shelters the homeless poor, clothes the naked and helps our kith and kin thus making our light shine in darkness.
2. The message of hope which the Prophet Isaiah brings to an oppressed people reassures Nigerians that although we are currently living in a country which is bedevilled by uncertainty and terrorism clad in the apparel of insurgency, kidnapping, farmer-herder clashes, armed banditry with wanton massacre of the innocent, there is light at the end of the tunnel – hope does not die; a new nation begins with opening our eyes to prepare for the next election by voting out bad leaders.
3. In a society that is seemingly darkened by Christian persecution, violent conflicts, poverty and unemployment, we are invited to depend on God’s power as St. Paul suggests in the second reading (1st Cor. 2:1-5) so as to illumine the world.
4. By explaining the metaphor of salt and light, Jesus urges us to embrace affirmative action. Be salt to provide seasoning in the lives of others and light to guide them in the way of faith.
5. The liturgy urges us to demonstrate faith in the daily events of our lives – in our homes and places of work in a manner that Muslims, Traditional Worshippers and Non-believers can notice our witnessing and be drawn to the Christian faith.
Conclusion
Based on what Isaiah outlines as, “share your food with the hungry and open your homes to the homeless poor. Give clothes to those who have nothing to wear, and do not refuse to help your own relatives” (Is 58:6-7), we are embrace the deeds of mercy – Feed the hungry, give water to the thirsty, clothe the naked, welcome the stranger, visit the sick, visit the imprisoned and bury the dead: Let your “light break forth like the dawn” (Is. 58:7-10). I conclude with the gracious words of Bishop Peter Andrew Comensoli of Broken Bay Diocese, New South Wales, Australia, who said: “Wear compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, forbearance, forgiveness and love.” Have a terrific week ahead!
