The Enduring Power of God

5th Sunday in Ordinary Time: February 05, 2023

Readings: Isaiah 58:7–10; Psalm 112:4–9; 1 Corinthians 2:1–5; Matthew 5:13–16

To listen to my audio-video reflections via YouTube, please click here: https://youtu.be/F-55lDPeHiE

As we reflect upon our spiritual journey and seek a deeper connection with God during this ordinary time of the year, the liturgical readings of this Sunday invite us to trust in the enduring power of God. This is possible when we become the salt of the earth and light of the world.

1. Our commitment to the call of our Lord

On the 2nd of February, the Church celebrated the feast of the Presentation of the Lord, a day specially dedicated for all the consecrated people.  It's a day when we recalled how precious and significant our call is especially being called to be the partakers of the mission of the Lord. Just like Jesus called the first disciples and their immediate response to leave everything and follow him, we too are in his team. This reminds us of the importance of putting our faith in action and being willing to let go of our old ways and commitments in order to follow Jesus more fully. In the First Reading of today, we hear about the prophet Isaiah being called by God to be a light to the nations. This is a reminder of our own call to share the light of the gospel and bring hope and comfort to those around us.

The Gospel writer Matthew 5:13–16 in the well-known passage "Salt and Light" says that we have a specific mission in this world. It's a call to Christians to live in a way that positively impacts the world and brings glory to God. Salt was valued in the ancient world for its preserving qualities and its ability to enhance the flavor of food. In the same way, Christians are called to preserve and enhance the world through their actions and attitudes. The absence of light is nothing but darkness. Here light represents the truth and hope that Christians bring to a dark world. By living a life of good deeds and shining their light, Christians bring glory to God and offer hope to those around them.

2. Necessity of wisdom to respond to God's call

The theme of sacrifice is prominent in this Sunday's readings, reminding us of the ultimate sacrifice that Jesus himself made on the cross. This is a time to reflect on the ways in which we are called to make sacrifices in our own lives, in order to grow closer to God and serve others. It is also an opportunity for us to seek greater clarity in our own vocation and calling. We can pray for the courage and wisdom to respond to God's call, just as the first disciples did, and to follow him more closely each day. In fact, Jesus came among us as light to scatter the darkness of a fallen world.

Writing to the nascent Corinthian Christian community (1 Corinthians 2:1-5), St Paul writes on his approach to preaching the gospel. He states that he did not come to them with eloquence or wisdom, but with a demonstration of the Spirit's power. It is not worldly wisdom and eloquence. It is a reminder that true wisdom and power come from God and not from human abilities or intellect. It encourages believers to rely on the Holy Spirit to guide their words and actions and to trust in God's power to bring people to faith. Additionally, it can also be interpreted as a call to humble oneself, recognizing that our own abilities and wisdom are limited and that it is only through the power of the Holy Spirit that we can effectively communicate the gospel and see its transformative effects in the lives of others.

A few questions for reflections:

1. How can you live out the idea of being "the salt of the earth"?
2. What does it mean to be a "light for the world"?
3. How can you preserve and enhance the goodness in the world?
4. How does being salt and light impact your relationships with others and with the world?

Prayer:

Dear God,

We come to you today filled with gratitude for your faithful love and mercy. Your blessings are abundant and we are reminded of this every day. We ask that you continue to bless us and those around us, so that we may walk in your light and be guided by your wisdom. May we be like the righteous person always filled with fear of the Lord, and possessing a heart filled with justice and mercy.

Help us to remember that our actions can bring light to a dark world and that our good deeds can bring hope to those in need. May we always strive to live in a manner that honors you and brings joy to those around us. We pray this in Jesus' Holy Name, Amen.

- Olvin Veigas, SJ

February 03, 2023