Sunday Scripture Readings

Printer-friendly versionSend to friend Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time, February 10 Isaiah 58:7-10; Psalm 112; 1 Corinthians 2:1-5; Matthew 5:13-16 OUR GOOD NEWS: What it means for us to be light and salt for the world. We move from Jesus’ birth and Epiphany — the manifestation to our call as continuing theophany — the revelation of God’s love for humankind. Isaiah (first reading) lists traditional helps for those in distress common to both Testaments and familiar through TV and press coverage: “share your bread ... shelter the oppressed ... clothe the naked.” The starving and exploited whose homes, possessions and means of livelihood have been confiscated in payment for debts, pitiable ones shivering in tattered clothing — all such should be personally cared for — “Bring them into your house.” Look and see, don’t “turn your back on” all who share a common humanity, for thus do we truly obey and serve God. Only then, when these conditions have been met, can we enjoy divine blessings conferring prosperity (“light”) and solving our social, political and economic problems (“healing of wounds”). This first reading concludes with specific examples of malicious behavior common nowadays no less than then: dishonest practices in business and politics, false testimony in court, slander destroying reputations. Only on condition of thoroughgoing reform in public morality, including genuine sharing with the needy (bestow your bread) can we hope for improvement in the world’s present hopeless situation. God rejects “Sunday Christians” who fail to care for the poor and disadvantaged throughout the week. We must get personally involved (volunteer service and financial support), demanding adequate local, state and federal programs to help our own and the world’s needy. Without practicing genuine social justice we cannot expect divine blessings on family and country. In the Gospel, Jesus applied what is necessary to sustain life — salt and light — to all his followers, not by way of congratulations (we’re not gold or pearls) but as a summons to worldwide mission (be salt and light). Discipleship is a privilege but also a responsibility! As followers of Jesus, we Christians play a vital function in the world. His Church is no holiness sect shunning unbelievers or a largely secular reform movement. Although our Master’s ministry was restricted to Israel, we his disciples, however abused and persecuted, constitute the source of blessing for all humankind — “salt of the earth, light of the world.” Becoming salt and light challenges us in our daily living. In itself, salt is “yucky,” but properly used it brings out the best in every food without drawing attention to itself. We Christians are called to “salt” everyone and everything with whom we come in contact. Similarly, light bulbs don’t call attention to themselves — until burnt out and useless. Christian concern for social justice is a vital contemporary expression of our call to worldwide missionary activity. Through firm teaching and clear, personal as well as corporate witness we bring out the potential for good in others (salt), providing guidance and assistance (light) rather than taking charge.

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