By Michael Rubbelke, February 4, 2026
In this sermon, which anticipates this coming Sunday’s Gospel — Matthew 5:13-16, Dr Rubbelke reflects on the joy of both the sun and the Son of God — and how they both shine forth from out of darkness. He says, “Jesus tells us it’s not enough to admire the light. We too must catch fire, becoming the light of the world in whom the glory of God can shine.”
[Gospel reading below the video]
Jesus said to his disciples:
“You are the salt of the earth.
But if salt loses its taste, with what can it be seasoned?
It is no longer good for anything
but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.
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.”
Dr. Michael Rubbelke first became interested in theology while attending Vespers at St. John’s Abbey as a requirement for his THEO 100 course at CSB/SJU. After pursuing this interest in Collegeville (B.A.: 2008) and at the University of Notre Dame (M.T.S.: 2010), he spent two years teaching high school religion in Bismarck, North Dakota, before working for his doctorate at Notre Dame (Ph.D.: 2018). He is Saint John’s School of Theology Academic Dean, where he also serves on the faculty.
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