5th Sunday of Ordinary Times

The theme of the 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 first reading refers also to the theme of light. The second reading is related to this theme. St. Paul states that good works are the sign of the presence of the Spirit. They are the concrete proofs of the truth of the beliefs proclaimed by Christians.

The Gospel tells us we are to be salt and light, to be common elements which give flavor to life, which help people find their way. At the time of Jesus salt was a very valuable commodity, not only made food more tasty, but it was used very much like we use refrigeration today: as a preservative. There is no need to emphasize the importance of light  on our world today as well as the time of Jesus. 

Writing to the people of Israel in a time of discouragement, Isaiah describes what it means to be a light. Share your bread with the hungry, give shelter to the homeless, remove malicious speech from your midst, then your light will shine. For us to be light, we must actively cast out the darkness both within and around us. Then the light of God will be seen. In discussing “almsdeeds”, in his Summa Theologica, St. Thomas Aquinas wrote, “A man in hunger is to be fed rather than instructed.” Two missionary sisters who dispense medical care and compassion in their clinic, expressing or sharing their joy for the success of their mission said, “People come to us because they hear we give good advice, good medicine, and a simple approach.” How can you be the salt of the earth, and the light of the world? Some people don’t give because they have much. They give because they have heart. This is a powerful human story about generosity, kindness, and giving even when it’s not easy. Be Kind.