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.