Reflection for Sunday – February 8, 2026

Deirdre McKiernan HetzlerSunday Readings Homilies

Readings: Isaiah 58:6-10; 1 Corinthians 2:1-5; Matthew 5:13-16 
Preacher: Deirdre McKiernan Hetzler

For some weeks now, our readings have touched on discipleship. But today, coming shortly after Jesus calls the first disciples, that call—our call, yours and mine—can’t be missed.

In Isaiah today, God challenges God’s people to live their faith boldly. Assertively. Honestly.

The Israelites have been complaining. “We observe the rituals. Fasting and sacrificing. Yet you do not hear us!” In response, God criticizes their empty rituals. Emphasizes that true fasting and worship require acts of justice and compassion.

“Is this not the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of injustice… To let the oppressed go free… to break every yoke.” “Is it not to share your bread with the hungry. Bring the homeless poor into your house. Clothe the naked…”

“If you remove the yoke…[stop] pointing the finger…speaking evil…and satisfy the needs of the afflicted…then your light will arise in the darkness…” Then the Lord will answer your call for help. And the glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard.

Discipleship costs. Truly following the path on which Jesus invites us to join Him is no “piece of cake.” It can involve simple things. Like refusing to participate in group harassment of someone. Resisting demonizing those with whom we disagree. Lifestyle choices.

But sometimes it can cost us a job. Or even our life. Like the four American women named in last Sunday’s homily. Murdered in El Salvador in 1980 because their lifting up the poor offended the powerful. Or like Alex Pretti, rushing to help a woman that had been knocked to the ground by ICE.

While the cross is a sign of foolishness to the world, St. Paul calls it the wisdom of the wise. He relies totally on the crucified Jesus for his existence and preaching. Not on his scholarly education. As he testifies in the Corinthians passage today.

And Matthew uses two common life essentials, salt and light, to make his point. Like Isaiah, he highlights the imperative of living out one’s faith boldly. Visibly. Bravely. Salt and light have transformative powers. Bringing flavor. Enabling sight. Making lives better. Living our faith boldly may inspire others, thus reflecting God’s glory. As salt and light, you and I are called to make the world a better place. To bring positive change, transforming society. Spreading the kindness, compassion, love and hope that Jesus modeled.

Ironically, I see this happening in Minneapolis. Hope being brought by the kindness and compassion of thousands of residents. People speak of how the whole city is becoming a real community. Like the Beloved Community of Martin Luther King’s vision. Strangers looking after neighbors they may not have met. Stepping up to assist families who have been torn apart. (And the vast majority detained so far do not have criminal records!)

I personally know a mobility challenged woman in her sixties who delivers food to those afraid to go out. (We need to remember that Dreamers and others have been here for decades, contributing to our society, but still do not feel safe.)

In Minnesota, others are standing up for Native Americans being profiled by their skin color. They accompany asylum seekers—and others trying to follow the law—to ICE check-ins. Advocating for the release of the child citizens (now five from little Liam Ramos’ school) who were detained. And yes, protesting peacefully. Photographing abuses and violations of court orders.

Wanting safe borders and respecting the God-given dignity of all humans are not contradictory values. I, for one, am proud that Pope Leo and several American cardinals haven spoken out to remind us of that dignity. And that we are all brothers and sisters in God’s family. As Scripture testifies, what affects one, affects all. As assaults on human dignity unfold in Minnesota and across the country, it is consoling to see the response of Catholic communities.

All our readings today call us to live our faith boldly, bravely, as followers of the Crucified. Do our lives—yours and mine—give glory to God?

Deirdre McKiernan Hetzler
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