5th Sunday of Ordinary Time, Cycle A

Last week, St. Paul reminded us that if we are to boast, we ought to boast in the Lord. Indeed, Christ is in charge and we are not.

However, as Christian stewards, we do not simply stand idle and watch God do all of the work. The Lord expects us to be the light for the world and salt for the earth (see today’s Gospel).

Isaiah shows us what the Lord expects of us: “Share your bread … shelter the oppressed …. clothe the naked …. satisfy the afflicted,” etc.

As we were reminded last week, it is not enough for us to keep the Law. Rather, we must remember its purpose. The Commandments are only as effective as the first Law that supports the rest: The Law of Charity!

St. Paul was a man who had a strong personality. We remember his zealous ways before his conversion to Christianity. After his conversion, he still had a zealous personality, but without violence in his heart.

This 2nd Reading shows a softer side of Paul as he declares to the Corinthians his “weakness and fear” and his “lack of sublimity of words and wisdom.”

Paul’s humble words had a purpose. It was a way to show that he was not some flashy preacher come to take advantage of them.

More importantly, his purpose was to show that true wisdom came from God Himself so that their faith would not rest on Paul’s eloquence but on the Lord.

Sharing this humble side, he was able to move the Corinthians to accept this new Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Although St. Paul offered a humble side of himself (2nd Reading), he was a strong character who knew that the Lord expected him to carry his weight.

In our Gospel, Jesus expects us to carry our weight as well. We cannot hide ourselves like a light under a lamp shade or bushel basket.

The Sermon on the Mount is a challenge for Jesus’ disciples to carry the Good News of the Lord through word and deed. This is how the Gospel is proclaimed – through us!

There are many Christians who believe that their faith is a private venture and that we shouldn’t push our faith on others.

Of course, we should not proselytize – coax, kidnap, or steal people for Jesus. On the other hand, we are called to evangelize; that is, to invite people to know the Lord. In this way, the Gospel can be shared from one generation to the next.

The famous American preacher, Billy Graham, once was challenged by a parent. She said, “I don’t think I should bring my child to Bible study. I’m leaving it up to him to accept Jesus when he is an adult.” Graham responded, “By not giving your son the Bible now, you are already teaching him something; that Jesus must not be very important to you.”

How will you invite one person into a deeper relationship with Christ this week?

Perhaps you could invite one new person to join your Christ In Our Neighborhood small group. You could also speak from the heart with someone about how Christ gives you hope and peace in a world filled with upheaval.

This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine. This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine,

Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.

Hide it under a bushel, no! I’m gonna let it shine Hide it under a bushel, no! I’m gonna let it shine, Hide it under a bushel, no! I’m gonna let it shine,

Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine

Light shines through the darkness for the upright;
he is gracious and merciful and just.
Well for the man who is gracious and lends,
who conducts his affairs with justice.