5th Sunday in Ordinary Time

A Word from the Parish Priest

This Sunday, the Word of God reminds us of who we truly are. The prophet Isaiah speaks of light breaking forth like the dawn, and Jesus calls us the salt of the earth and the light of the world. Light does not argue with darkness – it simply shines. This is our calling: to bring warmth, hope, and quiet strength into ordinary lives.

I wish to express my heartfelt gratitude to all parishioners for the joyful Winter Celebration at Holy Cross Preparatory School. It was a beautiful sign of a parish alive and walking together – children playing, families sharing, volunteers serving generously. Thank you to everyone who helped organise, welcome, support, and serve so selflessly.

I also thank the members of the Parish Hall Development Committee who have generously agreed to serve our parish in the important task of developing better facilities for our growing parish family. Your willingness reflects trust, responsibility, and hope for the future.

Let us carry today’s message into the week ahead – to be salt that gives meaning and light that brings clarity.

With prayers and blessings,
Fr James Raj

Spiritual Evening

Tuesday, 10 February | 7:30 pm
Theme: Biblical Women – Their Lives and Lessons
An evening of reflection and sharing for all parishioners.

Bible Study

Friday, 20 February | 8:00 pm
(After evening Mass and Way of the Cross during Lent)
A welcoming space to grow together in Scripture and faith.

Nutrition Session (60+ Group)

Wednesday, 11 February
Held during the regular 60+ gathering, focusing on well-being and healthy living.

Ash Wednesday

Wednesday, 18 February 2026
Mass Times: 10:00 am & 7:00 pm

Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent – a season of prayer, fasting, and repentance.
A day of fasting and abstinence. All are strongly encouraged to attend Mass and receive ashes.

Coffee & Conversation with the Mayor

Monday, 16 February | 1:00–3:00 pm
St John’s Church Hall, Kingston Vale
All parishioners are welcome to this community-focused gathering promoting connection and resilience.

Homily “Your light shall break forth like the dawn.” (Isaiah 58:8)

My dear brothers and sisters in Christ Jesus,

Today the first reading and the Gospel speak to us about our true identity.
Jesus says very clearly: “You are the salt of the earth… You are the light of the world.”

And the prophet Isaiah proclaims:

“Then shall your light break forth like the dawn, and your healing shall spring up speedily;
your righteousness shall go before you.”

Let me tell you a simple story.

A farmer once found an egg lying by the roadside. He did not know what kind of egg it was, but he took it home and placed it carefully in the henhouse, among the other eggs. In time, the eggs hatched. Along with the chicks, there was one bird that looked a little different — but it grew up with the chickens, walking with them, feeding with them, and living as they lived.

As time passed, that bird began to believe it was just like the others.

One day, an eagle was flying high above the fields. Looking down, it noticed something strange — an eagle moving about on the ground among the chickens. The eagle came down and asked, “Why are you living here?”
The bird replied, “This is who I am.”
The eagle said, “No — this is not who you are.”

The eagle took the bird to the riverside and asked it to look at its reflection. Then the eagle spread its wings and said, “Try.” Slowly, the bird opened its wings. At first it hesitated, but then it felt the wind beneath it — and it began to rise.

Only then did it realise its true identity.

My dear brothers and sisters, this is exactly what today’s Gospel is saying to us.

We are born into an ordinary world. Slowly, without noticing, we allow the world to define us — its fears, its routines, its small expectations. And we forget who we truly are. That is why Jesus speaks so strongly today:

“You are the salt of the earth.” “You are the light of the world.”

Isaiah adds another powerful line:
“Do not hide yourself from your own flesh.”
Do not deny your dignity. Do not forget your calling.

When Jesus calls us salt, He means that we are meant to give flavour to life, to preserve goodness, to prevent decay. Even a little salt makes a difference.

When Jesus calls us light, He reminds us that light cannot be corrupted. Water can be polluted. Air can be polluted. Soil can be polluted. But fire — light — always rises and transforms whatever it touches.

That is why Jesus says:
“A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.”
“No one lights a lamp and puts it under a basket.”

In the same way, He says, “Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.”

My dear brothers and sisters, do not live as though you were created for smallness.
If you desire to be sincere — you can be.
If you desire to serve — you can be.
If you desire to be a change — you can be.

Just open your wings a little more.
Just place a little more of Jesus before your eyes.

Then the promise of Isaiah will come true in you:

“Your light shall break forth like the dawn.”
Healing will rise.
Righteousness will go before you.

You are not meant to remain on the ground.
You are created to soar.

Amen.