Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time – Sr. Eileen Burns, SNDdeN
February 8, 2026
Matthew 5: 13-16
In Matt 5: 13 Jesus said to his disciples: “You are the salt of the earth. But if salt loses its taste, how can it be seasoned? It is no longer good for anything but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.”
Jesus observation and parable comes right after the Beatitudes in Matthew’s gospel signaling that it is important advice. Salt is necessary in our lives. It is created when sodium and chloride bond together. The two separate chemicals create a new thing . Ask yourself: Who are those people, places and events that I bond to and that nourish me? How do I nourish others? How does God’s bond with me and nourish me?
Artificial Intelligence says “Impure, older forms of salt (like those used historically) would physically wash away the salt component, leaving behind dirt and minerals, making the residue flavorless.” No wonder Jesus says that when that happens, it should be thrown away and stepped on! Who wants to add dirt and leftover minerals to food that should nourish us? How does God help us to choose to be in healthy relationships?
Artificial Intelligence also says “Salt (sodium chloride) is vital for human survival, acting as a key electrolyte that maintains proper hydration, regulates fluid balance, and facilitates nerve impulse transmission and muscle contraction. It supports digestive health by aiding stomach acid production and helps maintain blood pressure. It also plays a role in nutrient absorption.”
So, to stay healthy, we need some salt in our system. Some of us only get it through the natural salt in our food as adding too much salt can make their blood pressure dangerously high. Others of us add it to our food. We need to be balanced to be healthy.
Back to Jesus teaching! We are the salt in our world, and it is important and necessary to be healthy companions so we can nourish one another. Jesus, teach us your ways!
Matthew 5: 13-16
Jesus said to his disciples:
“You are the salt of the earth. But if salt loses its taste, with what can it be seasoned? It is no longer good for anything but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. You are the light of the world. A city set on a mountain cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and then put it under a bushel basket; it is set on a lampstand, where it gives light to all in the house. Just so, your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father.”
The Gospel of the Lord
Meet Sister Eileen Burns, SNDdeN
