Psalm Reflection: The Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time - Cycle A

“The just man is a light in darkness to the upright.” - Psalms 112

We do not know what we want: We want to be seen, but also to remain invisible. We want to feel authentically valued and met by those we love and care for, but we do not want to be singled out and vulnerable before everyone. We want to be known, but we do not want people to really see us in all our mess and brokenness. 

This paradoxical tension wages war within us, because we were made for God and for relationship, and we cannot fully experience either if we do not let ourselves be exposed and vulnerable. That is a scary thing to do, and many shy away from it as a result. Whether out of fear, trauma, insecurity, or brokenness, we will put up walls to protect ourselves when people get too close if we do not trust that we are safe, or if we suspect we will be judged.

Jerry Seinfeld said, “According to most studies, people's number one fear is public speaking. Number two is death. Death is number two. Does that sound right? This means to the average person, if you go to a funeral, you're better off in the casket than doing the eulogy.”

Why is that? Because we are afraid to be put in the spotlight and to be truly seen by others.

This began in the Garden. When Adam and Eve fell into original sin, shame and embarrassment entered the world. For the first time, people feared to be seen: 

“The woman saw that the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eyes, and the tree was desirable for gaining wisdom. So she took some of its fruit and ate it; and she also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it. Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they knew that they were naked; so they sewed fig leaves together and made loincloths for themselves” (Genesis 3:6-7).

The Enemy has used this to perpetuate a cycle of shame, guilt, and embarrassment, because he wants to isolate us from each other. He wants every single one of us to end us alone. That is what Hell is: eternal separation.

“This state of definitive self-exclusion from communion with God and the blessed is called "hell” (CCC 1033).

“The chief punishment of hell is eternal separation from God, in whom alone man can possess the life and happiness for which he was created and for which he longs” (CCC 1035).

There are far too many people experiencing Hell on earth through crippling loneliness and fear. That is exactly what the Enemy wants. So how do we combat him and his snares? By being light in the midst of darkness. 

The Enemy is dealt a heavy blow…

…when we allow Christ to shine through us.

…when we stand up for our faith instead of shying away from it.

…when we reach out and connect instead of isolating ourselves.

…when we allow ourselves to be seen by others, not to boast, but to reveal the glory of God at work in us.

…when we are honest and vulnerable.

…when we forgive and let go of resentment.

…when we serve others instead of seeking our own self-interests.

…when we admit and share our weaknesses so we can heal.

…when we choose to get back up when we fall.

…when we turn away from sin.

…when we love ourselves and others well.

“The glory of God is man fully alive.” - St. Irenaeus

When we seek the good, to do the right thing, and to love justice, we will be going against the grain. To be a Christian is to be holy, which means to be “set apart.” We are not meant to be like everyone else. So many are caught up in darkness, they need us to be a light in the midst of it.

“And this is the verdict, that the light came into the world, but people preferred darkness to light, because their works were evil. For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come toward the light, so that his works might not be exposed. But whoever lives the truth comes to the light, so that his works may be clearly seen as done in God” (John 3:19-21).

“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” (Matthew 5:14-16).

When a light grows brighter in the darkness, the Enemy immediately wants to snuff it out. However, when we firmly plant ourselves in Christ, when we live a Sacramental life, our lights can never be extinguished so long as we do not turn away from God. Shine, and do not fear or let your light dwindle or be hidden, for the glory of the Lord is coming to people in unexpected ways through you if you allow yourself to be seen. Not for our glory, but all for His.

Where in your life do you feel that pull to be seen yet remain hidden? How might God be inviting you to step into the light there?

Recall a time shame made you want to "sew fig leaves"—what walls did you build?

The Enemy isolates through loneliness; who in your world needs your light right now, a simple reach-out to break that cycle?

Jesus calls us "light of the world" (Mt 5:14)—what "bushel basket" are you tempted to hide under?

St. Irenaeus says God's glory is man fully alive; where do you feel less than alive?

What "darkness" tempts you, and what truth draws you to the light?

What fear holds you back from standing boldly for your faith?

I am praying for you. Please pray for me and my family, and I will see you in the Eucharist.

Matt

This reflection is based on the Responsorial Psalm for this Sunday, February 8th, 2026, the Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time: Psalms 112:4-5, 6-7, 8-9.