Tuesday, February 17, 2026

Opening Scripture

“For what we preach is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake. For God, who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness,’ made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ. But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.” 2 Corinthians 4:5-7

Opening Prayer

Gracious Heavenly Father, you are holy and exalted! May your kingdom come and your will be done in my life, home, and community, just as it is in Heaven. Help me to trust you today to meet all of my needs. Help me to forgive others just as you have forgiven me. Help me to resist temptation and overcome the evil one. For yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.

Daily Bible Reading

Matthew 5:13-16

“You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

Reflection  

You may recognize today’s passage as part of Jesus’ “Sermon on the Mount.” It comes right after the Beatitudes, which describe the characteristics of a citizen of the Kingdom of Heaven.

When we choose to be a “living sacrifice” – holy, acceptable, and pleasing to God – not conforming to the world, but being transformed on The Jesus Way, we hope others will “see our good deeds and praise our Father in heaven.”

Jesus compares His disciples to two common items: salt and light. Salt increases thirst. It has healing and preservative properties. But if salt loses its saltiness, it is worthless. Light radiates in a way that warms and reveals. But light that is covered up is worthless.

As followers of Jesus, our “saltiness” and “radiance” are assumed, but they are never supposed to be self-serving. Instead, they are a means by which we can be faithful witnesses to the goodness of God. We influence others by the way we live, not for our glory, but for the glory of God.

Flourishing Habit

Happiness and Life Satisfaction

Today is both Chinese New Year and Mardi Gras. Chinese New Year is celebrated in Southeast Asian communities around the world. Among other things, it serves as a time for family reunions. Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday) is celebrated in Roman Catholic communities around the world. Among other things, it serves as a final indulgence before the beginning of Lent.

Each culture and ethnic group has its holidays and special occasions. These events strengthen social bonds, nurture cultural or religious identity, and promote general well-being through shared traditions. Holidays and annual celebrations are opportunities for rest, reflection, togetherness, and gratitude. They also serve to pass down values to the next generation.

What values do your special occasions and celebrations promote? What identity do you encourage during your holidays? Is there divine “saltiness” and “radiance” in your traditions? What are you passing down to the next generation?

Ask God to show you how, in order to be a blessing, you might come alongside someone who celebrates Chinese New Year or Mardi Gras today.

Remember: Nothing changes until something changes!