St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Parish Grand Prairie, Texas
Gospel Meditations
February 8, 2026
5th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Matthew 5:13-16
I recently learned why zebras have stripes. Scientists used to think it was for camouflage, but new research suggests something more interesting: the stripes help zebras blend in with one another. When a predator looks at a herd, the overlapping stripes make it hard to single out one animal. But if a researcher spray-paints a dot on just one zebra, predators lock on it and eventually attack. The lesson? In the wild, blending in is protection. Standing out can be dangerous.
Human beings are not so different. Most of us would rather blend in than stand out, especially when it comes to our faith. We know that giving bold witness to Jesus — through our words, values, or public choices — can make us targets for criticism, isolation, or judgment. That’s why Jesus’ words in today’s Gospel are so challenging: “You are the light of the world. A city set on a mountain cannot be hidden” (Matthew 5:14).
A city on a hill draws attention. It also draws fire. But that’s part of the cost of discipleship. Jesus doesn’t call us to be tribal or boastful. He calls us to stand in the open with humble confidence, so that people might see our good deeds and glorify our Father in heaven. Today, let’s ask for the courage not just to believe in Christ, but to be seen believing in him.
— Father John Muir
©LPi
8 de febrero de 2026
V Domingo del Tiempo Ordinario
Mateo 5:13-16
Hoy la liturgia nos prepara, con su Palabra, a ser conscientes de lo que significa ser sal y luz en nuestra vida cotidiana. Jesús pone como ejemplo elementos que usamos todos los días para dar sabor a la vida del cristiano. La amargura, la envidia y la oscuridad de pensamientos nos alejan de lo que verdaderamente importa: ser sencillos y encontrarnos con Dios. "Ustedes son la sal de la tierra. Pero si la sal se vuelve insípida, ¿cómo podrá ser salada de nuevo? Ya no sirve para nada, por lo que se tira afuera y es pisoteada por la gente" (Mateo 5:13). Darle saborcito a la vida, añadiendo colores de humildad y apertura al diálogo frente a las adversidades que vivimos en la familia y en la sociedad, será clave para purificar y transformar nuestro entorno.
El Señor también nos llama luz del mundo: “Nadie enciende una lámpara para taparla con un cajón; la ponen más bien sobre un candelero, y alumbra a todos los que están en la casa” (Mateo 5:14-15). Cuando se va la luz en nuestra casa, nos sorprende, porque a veces no tenemos ni siquiera una vela que nos alumbre, mucho menos una lámpara con baterías. Sin embargo, al encender una luz —por muy pequeña que sea— sentimos alivio, porque podemos ver por dónde pisamos y así podemos realizar las actividades necesarias. Jesús quiere que sus seguidores sean así: como una pizca de sal y un poquito de luz, para que todo funcione de manera distinta en la familia y en la sociedad.
©LPi
PARISH ANNOUNCEMENTS
Bishop's Annual Appeal 2026
This weekend we will be making our commitments to the Bishop's Annual Appeal. Thank you to those parishioners who have already made their gift to the 2026 Appeal.
Will you join your fellow parishioners in supporting this effort that strengthens the many important programs and ministries across the Diocese of Dallas?
If you have not yet made a gift, there will be pledge forms available in the pew or you can visit donate.dallasbishopsappeal.com.
Will you join your fellow parishioners in supporting this effort that strengthens the many important programs and ministries across the Diocese of Dallas?
If you have not yet made a gift, there will be pledge forms available in the pew or you can visit donate.dallasbishopsappeal.com.
First Eucharist Retreat
Parents of students receiving their First Holy Communion this Spring please note that the First Eucharist Retreat will be held on Saturday, February 7th, from 9am-3pm. A light breakfast and lunch will be provided. Don't forget to bring a water bottle.
Padres de los estudiantes que recibirán su Primera Comunión esta primavera, por favor tomen nota de que el Retiro de la Primera Eucaristía se llevará a cabo el sábado 7 de febrero, de 9:00am a 3:00pm. Se ofrecerá un desayuno ligero y almuerzo. No olviden traer una botella de agua.
Parking on Campus
As a friendly reminder, we kindly ask everyone to please follow the posted parking signage on campus. In addition to handicapped-reserved spaces, there are also designated parking spots reserved for Auction/Festival winners as well as reserved spaces for clergy. Thank you for your cooperation and for helping us keep our parking areas organized and accessible for all.
Scouting for Food
Our Scouts will be participating in a Scouting for Food drive by going door to door in the community to collect food donations on Saturday, February 7. In addition, they will be collecting donations from our parish community at all Masses on Saturday, February 7 and Sunday, February 8, with a collection box available in the Gathering Space.
We invite parishioners to support this effort by bringing non-perishable food items to help those in need in our local community. Thank you for your generosity and for supporting our Scouts in this meaningful service.
Pilgrimage Interest Meeting - Date Change to March 6th.
Join Deacon Pete and Fr. Marco for an informative session about an upcoming Pilgrimage to Italy this October. All those interested are invited to learn more about the itinerary, spiritual highlights, and what to expect from this faith-filled journey. The information session will take place on Friday, March 6th at 7:00 PM in Mazaika Hall. Come discover this opportunity to walk in the footsteps of the saints and deepen your faith.
Stations of the Cross
All parishioners are warmly invited to join us for Stations of the Cross every Friday during Lent, as we prayerfully walk with Christ on His journey to the Cross. Stations will be prayed at 6:00pm in English and 7:00pm in Spanish starting February 20th, except on Good Friday, when the Church observes the Passion of the Lord with the solemn liturgy.
We encourage you and your family to make this beautiful Lenten devotion part of your weekly prayer as we prepare our hearts for Easter.
