Reflection –
Following the beatitudes, there are two short sayings, ‘proverbs’, depicting Jesus as a Wisdom teacher in the Jewish tradition. Jesus tells his new disciples that they are salt for the earth and light for the world: not that they will become these. This reminds us that we already give flavour and light to the world; but is it good or bad? We cannot choose not to be flavour, but we can choose what flavour to give!
Mass readings.
5th Sunday of the Year – Year A -31st February 7th & 8th, 2026
1st Reading: Isaiah 58:6-10
Responsorial Psalm. A light rises in the darkness for the upright
Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 2:1-5
Gospel Acclamation: Alleluia,Alleluia…I am the lignt of the world, says the Lord; whoever follows me will have the light of life …. Alleluia!
Gospel: Matthew 5:13-16
Important Note: Please scroll within the below window to have access to daily readings for the Holy Catholic Mass. To keep scrolling down Our Lady’s newsletter, just scroll outside the window.
PARISH UPDATES:
Catholic Women Writers: Voices from Scotland & Beyond – Dr Linden Bicket & Dr Rebekah Lamb-Varela will share the life and works of women such as Immaculée Iligaziba, Muriel Spark and St Thérèse of Lisieux, at this free event on Wednesday 11 February, 5:45pm to 8:30pm, at The Gillis Centre, 100 Strathearn Road, Edinburgh, EH9 1BB. Register: https://tinyurl.com/bdek2p8p
Valentine’s Day afternoon retreat – This Valentine’s Day (Saturday 14 February) couples are invited to join the Archdiocese’s afternoon retreat reflecting on the Gift of Marriage. It takes place 2:00pm-5:00pm at St Kentigern’s Church, 26-28 Parkgrove Avenue, Edinburgh, EH4 7QR and is led by renowned Scottish Catholic playwright Stephen Callaghan and wife Rachel. Details and registration at bit.ly/archretreat26
Remembering Service – For those who have suffered the loss of a child, from the beginning of pregnancy onwards, together with those who wish to come in love and support, to have time in quiet surroundings to fully recognise their loss and help with healing. This service takes place at 5:00pm on Sunday 22 February in St John the Baptist RC Church, 37 St Ninian’s Road, Edinburgh, EH12 8AL.
Stations of the Cross -The Archdiocese hosts online Stations of the Cross each Monday in Lent. The first one is on Monday 23 February at 7:45pm and will feature a reflection from Archbishop Leo. The annual event is to pray for unborn children, their mothers and all pro-life intentions. Register at bit.ly/stations26
Monthly Holy Hour for Vocations to the Priesthood & Religious Life – A silent Holy Hour with Eucharistic Adoration to pray for vocations to the priesthood and religious life takes place at the convent chapel of the Religious Sisters of Mercy of Alma, at St Andrew’s, 77 Belford Road, Edinburgh, EH4 3DS, on Monday 9 February, 6:30pm-7:30pm. The Holy Hour will be every second Monday of the month thereafter.
TODAY AFTER MASS – There will be teas & coffee in the hall after mass today. Please come along. Any funds raised go to the Parish Project.
IMPORTANT – Stations of the Cross will take place at 7pm every Friday in Lent. Ash Wednesday mass on the 18th February will be at the usual 10am time.
LAST CHANCE – Youth Helpers for the Annual Lourdes Pilgrimage – Applications close on the 15th February for Youth Helpers (Age 16-30) for this year’s Lourdes Pilgrimage which will take place between 10th and 17th July. Forms are at the back of the Church detailing requirements & the application process. There is support funding of £500 available with the balance to be raised by the applicant. If you have any questions, please ask Angela Allan.
The 60th Anniversary Celebration of our church on 15th March is fast approaching! We have strong early sign-up for the celebration after mass at Gibson Craig Halls. If you haven’t put your name down yet and intend to come, please write your name on the sheet at the back of the church. If you would like to be involved in the planned entertainment please let Norma know at normamitchell5237@gmail.com . Also, If you have been a parishioner at Our Lady’s from the very beginning and/or if anyone has any photos or memorabilia of church events over the years, please contact Norma too. We are trying to make it extra special for you
Mass Bookings. We are reminded that the booking of mass for our special intentions, wedding anniversaries, Birthday thanksgiving, Death anniversaries of our loved ones and general prayers is highly recommended. The mass stipends (Donations) are part of our contribution towards the good of the church and support of our priest
New Website – Don’t forget to visit the new parish website – feedback to Kevin or George
Our Lady’s Offertory Collections.
Last Sunday’s collection: £228.
Month total collections (Bank & Cash) £228
Mass Bookings.
We are reminded that the booking of mass for our special intentions, wedding anniversaries, Birthday thanksgiving, Death anniversaries of our loved ones and general prayers is highly recommended. The mass stipends (Donations) are part of our contribution towards the good of the church and support of our priest.
MASS TIMINGS
MASS INTENTIONS
MASS DONOR
Wednesday, February 11th 10.00am
Sean & Boadie Fallon
- Audrey Parfinowska
Friday February 13th 10.00am
-
-
Sunday, February 15th 11.30am
Amanda Somerville
Diana Richardson (RIP)
Ian Somerville
Anthony & Nicholas
Blessings to you, your families and those who are dear to you in Jesus’ name, Amen.
You are the salt of the earth
Matthew 5:13-16
At that time: Jesus said to his disciples, ‘You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet.
‘You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.’
Reflection on the Salt Cellar
To describe someone as “the salt of the earth” is one of the highest compliments we can offer. We mean a person who is dependable, generous, kind and brings steadiness and goodness into the lives of others. Today, salt is often spoken of negatively, something to be limited or avoided for health reasons. But in the time of Jesus, salt was highly valued. It preserved food, prevented decay, and brought flavour where there would otherwise be none. That positive, life-giving role lies behind the expression Jesus uses in our Gospel reading today.
When Jesus says to his disciples, “You are the salt of the earth,” he is not setting a distant goal but naming a present reality. Note how Jesus doesn’t say ‘you are to become the salt of the earth’, but ‘you ARE the salt of the earth’. It means each of us ARE already someone special, even before we become who God wants us to be. Jesus is, in effect, reminding us of our identity and our dignity: do not underestimate yourselves, do not forget what you have received, and who you are: you are special. And if this is who we are, then our calling is clear: to live in a way that preserves what is good and add the quiet flavour of Christ to the world around us.
On the tables of the wealthy, salt was presented not in an ordinary bowl but in a silver ‘salt cellar’. In medieval Europe, these objects were far more than just practical utensils. Salt was expensive and precious, and the salt cellar became a marker of status. On grand tables, a large and often richly decorated standing salt was placed near the host, while lesser guests sat “below the salt,” receiving their portion from smaller, simpler vessels. Crafted by skilled silversmiths, these salt cellars were designed to be seen: ornate and proudly displayed as signs of wealth.
A particularly striking museum example is the Cellini Salt Cellar (1543), now in the Kunsthistorisches Museum in Vienna. Made of gold rather than silver, it represents the pinnacle of 16th century silver-and goldsmith-making, transforming a functional object into a masterpiece of Renaissance art. Designed for King Francis I of France by Benvenuto Cellini, it features allegorical figures of Earth (the woman on the left holding grass in one hand) and Sea (the male figure on the right holding a trident), uniting salt and gold as symbols of power and abundance. While living at the French King’s court (and before he moved to Florence to work for the Medici family), Cellini made the salt cellar, along with the assistance of five other artists (two from Italy, two from France, and one artist from Germany). Unfortunately many Renaissance gold-smithery works, including several made by Cellini (known to us solely because of his descriptions in his autobiography), were melted down. This piece was almost melted down and destroyed in 1562, but thankfully has survived.
