Today, the Fifth Sunday of Ordinary Time, the readings are filled with images of light. The Prophet Isaiah tells us that by sharing bread with the hungry and sheltering those in need, “your light shall break forth like the dawn” and “light shall rise for you in darkness, and the gloom shall become for you like midday.”( A good argument for service if I have ever heard one!)
The Responsorial Psalm (#112) reiterates this idea: “The just man is a light in darkness to the upright.” The psalm talks about being gracious, conducting our affairs with justice, and lavishly giving to the poor. St. Paul was a light of faith to the people of Corinth. He talks about “a demonstration of Spirit and power” so that their faith would be strengthened and “rest not on human wisdom but the power of God.”
In the Gospel of St. Matthew Jesus says that we are the light of the world and must let our lights “shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father.” We are to be beacons of hope in this world for those lost in darkness, despair and desolation. We have all confronted these moments of darkness at one time or another¾even St. Paul talks today about weakness and fear and trembling! We know, however, that the light of Christ illuminates our souls, and we must be for others like a light in the darkness of our world.
Today (in the Gospel) we hear about light, but we also hear about salt. (Jesus says, “You are the salt of the earth.”) Salt was connected to purity and in ancient times was used as an offering to the gods. Salt adds flavor to things. “You are the salt of the earth” is a high compliment. Like salt we must be pure, and like light we must shine. If you are light and salt to the people around you, you are doing God’s work for the kingdom. “The just man is a light in darkness to the upright.” Be a light and be pure as salt!
Keep singing!
Elizabeth Dyc
The Responsorial Psalm (#112) reiterates this idea: “The just man is a light in darkness to the upright.” The psalm talks about being gracious, conducting our affairs with justice, and lavishly giving to the poor. St. Paul was a light of faith to the people of Corinth. He talks about “a demonstration of Spirit and power” so that their faith would be strengthened and “rest not on human wisdom but the power of God.”
In the Gospel of St. Matthew Jesus says that we are the light of the world and must let our lights “shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father.” We are to be beacons of hope in this world for those lost in darkness, despair and desolation. We have all confronted these moments of darkness at one time or another¾even St. Paul talks today about weakness and fear and trembling! We know, however, that the light of Christ illuminates our souls, and we must be for others like a light in the darkness of our world.
Today (in the Gospel) we hear about light, but we also hear about salt. (Jesus says, “You are the salt of the earth.”) Salt was connected to purity and in ancient times was used as an offering to the gods. Salt adds flavor to things. “You are the salt of the earth” is a high compliment. Like salt we must be pure, and like light we must shine. If you are light and salt to the people around you, you are doing God’s work for the kingdom. “The just man is a light in darkness to the upright.” Be a light and be pure as salt!
Keep singing!
Elizabeth Dyc
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