Unpacking the Mass – 5th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A

Host: Keith Nester
Date: February 4, 2026

Episode Overview

This week on Unpacking the Mass, Keith Nester guides listeners through the upcoming Sunday's Mass readings (Isaiah 58:7-10, 1 Corinthians 2:1-5, Matthew 5:13-16), focusing on the theme of living out the faith in practical, tangible ways. Keith emphasizes that faith is not just about what we know or believe, but also about what we do—encouraging listeners to be the “salt of the earth” and “light of the world.” The episode is shaped as a spiritual call to action, addressing both interior struggles and outward service, all while keeping Christ at the center.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Faith in Action: The Necessity of Tangible Service

[00:01–09:00]

• Keith opens by stressing that Mass readings should connect to daily life and "not just be ethereal" ([00:02]).
• He introduces Isaiah 58: true spirituality is linked to practical acts of charity—feeding the hungry, sheltering the homeless, clothing the naked.
• Key Insight:

  “Your internal struggles can be overcome when you help someone else with their external struggles.” (Keith, [09:40])
  He explains that getting out of our heads and meeting others’ needs can often break cycles of anxiety and gloom.

• Connecting to Matthew 25, Keith notes Jesus’ emphasis on meeting real, human needs as a path to spiritual breakthrough.

2. Integrating Doctrine and Action: Both/And, Not Either/Or

[09:00–13:00]

• A common tension in Christian life is addressed: Should we focus on knowledge and doctrine or good works and service?
• Keith stresses that both are essential:

  “You can’t have one without the other. ...We have to have this relationship with God, but yet we also have to step out and be that light to this world.” (Keith, [11:15])

3. St. Paul’s Simplicity and God’s Power

[13:00–23:00]

• The reading from 1 Corinthians highlights Paul’s decision to rely not on eloquence or complex arguments, but on the simple proclamation of “Jesus Christ and him crucified.”
• Keith reflects on the dangers of making ministry about one’s own gifts or style:

  “There’s a danger ... we can become so self-focused, we can think that it’s all about us.” (Keith, [16:45]) “If you can be talked into your faith, you can also be talked out of it.” (Keith, [19:15])

• Historical note: Heresies have often arisen from persuasive but misguided leaders.

4. Practical Application: Five Ways to Let Your Light Shine

[32:50–52:00]

Keith shares five practical steps to live out the Gospel message. Each comes with honest anecdotes and personal challenges:

a. Serve Tangibly

“Find something tangible you can do. Find a need that someone has and go meet that need.” (Keith, [33:10])
Referencing James, he insists words are not enough if not accompanied by concrete help.

b. Don’t Be Ashamed of Your Faith

“Meet the needs that you’re going to meet in the name of Jesus. ...Don’t be ashamed of your faith.” (Keith, [35:40])
He underscores that service and witness go hand-in-hand, often opening doors for deeper conversations about faith.

c. Let Your Deeds Speak When Words Cannot

“Let your good deeds show what your words sometimes can’t.” (Keith, [37:18])
In situations where direct proclamation isn’t possible, persistent service can communicate Christ's love.

d. Persist When Service Is Difficult or Unappreciated

“Don’t stop trying to do good, even when it’s frustrating.” (Keith, [39:30])
He shares a relatable story of trying to help a friend, only to have it backfire, and challenges listeners not to give up.

e. Glorify God, Not Yourself

“The light of the world isn’t your light … it’s God’s light shining through you.” (Keith, [41:55])
Keith offers personal stories, including reflections on fundraising and recognition, encouraging acts of service to be anonymous and for God’s glory.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Overcoming Internal Struggles

  “Your internal struggles can be overcome when you help someone with their external struggles.” (Keith, [09:40])

• On Doctrine & Good Works

  “You can’t have one without the other.” (Keith, [11:15])
  “You have to get out of your house and go do something to make a tangible difference.” (Keith, [33:47])

• On Ministry & Personal Pride

  “St. Paul didn’t rely on his intellect ... He kept the message simple.” (Keith, [15:22])
  “If you can be talked into your faith, you can also be talked out of it.” (Keith, [19:15])

• On Bringing Saltiness to the World

  “You are the salt of the world. We’re to make the world better. We’re to enhance the good that is already there.” (Keith, [27:20])
  Practical example: Always bringing a positive attitude and sometimes even a tangible gift to every gathering.

• On Recognition and Serving for God’s Glory

  “How do you feel when you do something and you don’t get credit for it?” (Keith, [45:55])
  He shares a formative story from his youth about not being thanked for helping, using it to examine motives for service.

• On the Main Takeaway

  “God will only use you as far as he can until you get in the way. ...Your breakthrough isn’t this lack of knowledge. ...It’s whatever you’ve put in your way to stop you from moving through.” (Keith, [49:00])

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Opening and Theme Introduction – [00:01–02:00]
• Isaiah 58 Reading & Reflection – [03:10–09:00]
• Addressing Faith vs Works – [09:00–13:00]
• 1 Corinthians 2: Simplicity of the Gospel – [13:00–23:00]
• Matthew 5: Salt & Light Metaphors – [23:00–32:00]
• Five Practical Steps to Shine Your Light – [32:50–52:00]
• Closing Challenge & Main Takeaway – [49:00–52:00]

Tone & Style

Keith’s delivery is energetic, personal, honest, and often self-deprecating. He uses real-life anecdotes, rhetorical questions, relatable frustrations, and gentle exhortation. He admits his own struggles and failures, inviting listeners to journey with him rather than speaking from a pedestal.

Final Takeaway

Keith’s central challenge is to move beyond theoretical faith into practical loving action, serving others both openly and anonymously for the glory of God. He reminds listeners that true spiritual growth often comes when we “get out of our heads,” meet real needs, and keep Christ at the center—both in our words and our works.

“Boom. That’s your breakthrough.” (Keith, [49:00])