February 5 - Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time: Salt & Light

 

First Reading  Isaiah 58:7-10
In the work of justice, light shall break through darkness.

 

Responsorial Psalm  Psalm 112:4-9
The just person will be a light in the darkness.

 

Second Reading  1 Corinthians 2:1-5
Paul shows that he came to Corinth preaching Christ crucified.

 

Gospel Reading Matthew 5:13-16

 

 
So, when Jesus says to his followers – “You are the salt of the earth”, it simply means that a follower of Jesus must lend flavour to life, bringing joy & gladness, happiness & peace, justice & love, care & concern, hope & consolation, among whom he lives. Just as insipid salt is of no use in flavouring or preserving food, so too the so-called 'disciples' are of no use if they fail to live as Christ teaches. Jesus also says we are the light of the world. By itself light is no good. It is only good when it shows us something other than itself. That is what Christians are called to do - to live lives that show the presence of God in the world. If we do not do this there is darkness and, without doubt, the world is today in deep darkness in many ways. We Christians must ask ourselves if we are giving out light.