SUNDAY, FIFTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
Is 58: 7-10 Ps 112: 4-9 1 Cor 2: 1-5 Mt 5: 13-16
THE CHRISTIAN IS SALT AND LIGHT
The theme of this Sunday is contained in the two parables of the gospel. The figure of light is given more importance than that of salt and in fact the readings refers also to the theme of light. The second reading reveals a connection to this theme. St. Paul emphatically states that our good works are the signs of the presence of the Holy Spirit. They are the visible, concrete and tangible proofs of the doctrine proclaimed by the Christian; our good works reveal to the world what we are as followers of Christ.
In the first reading Isaish speaks about the fast. Fasting is a religious practice known all over the world. In ancient times people thought that if there was a situation of danger or suffering, or if a particular accident had occurred, it was necessary to perform certain voluntary sacrifices to induce God and the supernatural forces, to intervene in their favour. During that day of fast, people covered their heads with ashes and dust, went barefoot and slept on bare ground. The first reading of today refers to such difficult situation. The people had just returned from their exile in Babylon. They have put their trust in the promises of the prophets, but things were not going too well for them. The prophet replies that it was not the fault of the Lord. It was their fast that was not good enough, it was not what the Lord asked of them. And he goes on to explain what is the kind of fast that pleases God. The prophet’s words are, “Share your bread with the hungry, shelter the homeless poor, clothe the man you see to be naked.” The passage we read today prepares us for the gospel message of light and darkness. The prophet continues, “If you fast the way I told you to, your light will rise in the darkness and your shadows become like noon.” The people of Israel were convinced that they were the light of the whole world. The scribes and pharisees took pride in themselves as being learned and holy. They considered that it was their grand and solemn ceremonies in the temple that were important and were meticulous in performing them. But they were wrong. God is interested in deeds of love and mercy and that was the light He wanted to see shining in His people.
The Responsorial Psalm says that the good man is a light in the darkness for the upright; he is generous, merciful and just. The good man takes pity and lends, open handed he gives to the poor.
In the second reading St. Paul speaks to the Corinthians and explains to them that God’s preference is for all that is humble, despised and valueless as the world looks at them; it is great and pleasing in His sight. Today we hear him comparing the wisdom of a man, and the power of God Who is All-Wise, All Knowing and All-Powerful. St. Paul gives himself as an example. He says that he had not gone to Corinth to announce a new doctrine like the wisdom of his time, but he goes on to describe himself as a preacher weak and fearful, incapable of effective proclamation. His preaching was not of any arguments that belong to philosophy but only a demonstration of the power of the Spirit. Jesus invites His disciples to be the light of the world. ‘I am the Light of the world; anyone who follows Me will have the light of life’. Our lives are to be sacraments of God drawing all who witness our good deeds, to give thanks and praise God. We are reminded of St. Paul’s words to the Christian community at Philippi in which he exhorts them to be “Children of God without blemish, in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, in which you shine like stars in the world”.
Let us turn to the great God of all and rely on Him with trust; let us pray sincerely, examine our consciences honestly, and repent with humble hearts. Let us read the Scriptures to gain true wisdom and participate actively and faithfully in the life of the Church, allowing God’s Word and Sacraments to shape our lives. In doing these things, with humility and perseverance, we will come to know God more deeply, rely on Him alone, and grow in faith, hope, and love. Then we will become the true light of the world, and in this way our light will shine in the sight of men so that, seeing our good works, they may give praise and glory to our God in heaven.
Response: A light rises in the darkness for the upright.
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