Shikrot Mpwi - Sunday Synopsis with Fr. Justine J. Dyikuk

Fifth Sunday of the Year, A – Feb 9, 2020

Readings: Is 58:7-10; Responsorial Psalm Ps 122:4-5.6-7.8-9(4a); 1^st Cor. 2:1-5 &

Gospel Mat. 5:13-16.

Theme:  The Demands of Practical Religion

Introduction

Friends in Christ, today, Jesus presents us with salt and light as metaphors for practical religion. Our readings call us to let our “light break forth like the dawn” (Is. 58:7-10) by taking to the apostolate of the needy through ensuring that the hungry are feed, the naked are clothed and the homeless are sheltered. In the words of Bishop Peter Andrew Comensoli of Broken Bay Diocese, New South Wales, Australia, our liturgy charges to: “Wear compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, forbearance, forgiveness and love.” We shall scan through the readings for our Sunday recipe. 

Background and Summary of the Readings

In the first reading (Is. 58:7-10), the Prophet Isaiah calls the people to share their bread with the hungry, shelter the homeless poor, clothe the naked and help their kith and kin. He challenges them to embrace integrity while assuring that anyone who shares his or her bread with the hungry and provides relief for the oppressed, would shine in the darkness and their shadows become like the noon.

In the second reading (1^st Cor. 2:1-5), St. Paul instructs that if we must succeed in letting our candle of faith burnt brightly, we ought to rely on the power of God. The Pauline message reminds us that it is the power of God at work in us that can help us to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world. In summary, St. Paul prepares a template for Christians on why it is necessary for us to be children of light.

The gospel (Mat. 5:13-16) resounds the call to be light bearers. Therein, Jesus challenges his disciples to be the salt of the earth and light of the world. He explains the metaphor of salt and light by insisting that if salt loses its taste, it can no longer be seasoned or useful in any way but only to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. He also makes the point that no one lights a lamp and puts it under the bushel basket; instead, it is put on a lampstand where it gives light to everyone in the house. While he uses salt as seasoning which spices our faith for affirmative action, he indicates that light is the touch or candle that endlessly lights our way of faith. 

Pastoral and Practical Lessons

1. Be Generous: The first reading (Is. 58:7-10) challenges us to embrace practical religion which feeds the hungry, shelters the homeless poor, clothes the naked and helps our kith and kin thus making our light shine in the darkness.

2. Be there for Others: By insisting that our light should shine in order that others may be drawn and give glory to the father, the Master wants us to use our life, time and resources for his service by letting the candle of our lives burn out for others. 

3. Be Hopeful: The message of hope which the Prophet Isaiah brings to an oppressed people in the first reading reassures us that although we are currently living in a country which is bedevilled by insurgency, cattle rustling, kidnapping, farmer-herder clashes, armed banditry and killings across the country, their shall be light at the end of the tunnel.

4. Be Light Bearers: In a society that is seemingly darkened by economic difficulties, unemployment and violent conflicts, our liturgy invites us to be light bearers bearing in mind that that if we must succeed in letting our candle of faith burnt brightly, we must rely on the power of God as St. Paul suggest in the second reading (1^st Cor. 2:1-5).

5. Rely on the Power of God: Today’s Pauline message reminds us to rely on the power of God rather than mere human wisdom, logic or eloquence so as to be salt of the earth and the light of the world.

6. Be Resourceful: By explaining the metaphor of salt and light, Jesus insists that we cannot afford to be unproductive like salt that has lost its saltiness which can no longer be seasoned but thrown out and trampled underfoot.

7. Demonstrate Practical Faith: Our liturgy urges us to demonstrate faith in the daily events of our lives in places like our homes and places of work in a manner that Muslims, Traditional Worshippers and Non-believers can notice our witnessing and be drawn to the Christian faith.  

Homiletic Quotes to Remember

1. In the first reading (Is. 58:7-10), the Prophet Isaiah calls the people to share their bread with the hungry, shelter the homeless poor…

2. In the second reading (1^st Cor. 2:1-5), St. Paul instructs that if we must succeed in letting our candle of faith burnt brightly, we must rely on the power of God.

3. The Pauline message reminds us that it is the power of God at work in us that can help us to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world.

4.  The gospel (Mat. 5:13-16) resounds the call to be light bearers.

5. Jesus challenges his disciples to be the salt of the earth and light of the world.

Conclusion

Based on what the prophet Isaiah outlined as: “Share your food with the hungry and open your homes to the homeless poor. Give clothes to those who have nothing to wear, and do not refuse to help your own relatives” (Is 58:6-7), we are urged to concretize the Corporal Works of Mercy which include: Feeding the hungry, giving water to the thirsty, clothing the naked, welcoming the stranger, healing the sick, visiting the imprisoned and burying the dead. May God help us to be salt and light through practical religion which takes care of the needy. Have a terrific week ahead!