5th Sunday in Ordinary Time (09.02.14)
Salt adds flavour to food and keeps it from going bad.
Light brightens up the world, and shows people the way.
In today’s Gospel, Jesus tells His disciples that they are to be like light and salt.
In the first reading (Isaiah 58:7-10) the prophet, speaking in God’s Name, promises the people, that if they show concern for others, especially the poor, then their light will break forth like the dawn.
Christ, in the Gospel (Matthew 5: 13-16) expands this further, exhorting His disciples to let the light of their good works shine for all to see – always giving God the glory.
He asks us to practise our Christianity not just in church, but out there in the real world in whatever situation we happen to find ourselves.
In a nutshell then, this Gospel is about quality of life and goodness. The best witness I can give to Christ is the authenticity of my life.
I may not be strong enough to be a beacon of light, but if I have a little goodness and try to be true to it, then at least I can be a humble candle shedding light in its own vicinity.
I can shine by my joyful gratitude to God for His many blessings.
I can shine by patiently enduring suffering or pain
I can shine by speaking kindly about others, and not taking part in idle gossip.
I can shine by my non-judgemental attitude, never holding a grudge, always ready to forgive
I can shine by trying always to be an instrument of peace.
I can shine by reaching out to others with compassion and love.
We don’t have to be great biblical scholars, or people of high rank and status in society to be a light for others.
It is how we live our everyday lives that is the most powerful witness.
The words of the following anonymous little poem show us a very simple method:
“It is not the things that can be bought that are life’s richest treasure,
It’s just the little “heart gifts” that money cannot measure:
A cheerful smile, a friendly word, a sympathetic nod
Are priceless little treasures from the storehouse of our God.
These are things that can’t be bought with silver or with gold,
For thoughtfulness and kindness and love are never sold.
They are the priceless things in life for which no one can pay,
And the giver finds true happiness in giving them away.”