Deacon Matt's Reflection

Reflection for 5th Sunday in Ordinary Time: February 5, 2023
 
Isaiah 58:7-10: A major theme of this Sunday’s readings is God’s calling to us, to set a good example and be “a light,” or a good role-model to others. We’re called to be models of a Christian life of love, by sharing our food with the hungry; assisting the oppressed and homeless to find shelter, and helping those lacking basic needs, such as clothing, to obtain them. We’re called to be leaders, by modeling extravagant generosity and care for others; beginning with our own families and those naturally dependent or reliant upon us. God promises to reward and provide assistance for those who are in the roles of caring for others. In addition to holy generosity, we’re called to act justly and honestly and to refrain from gossip and speaking negatively of others.
 
Psalm 112: “The just man is a light in darkness to the upright.” Today, the psalmist observes that when we practice justice and mercy, we become a light for others; giving them hope and teaching them the way to live out our divine calling to a life of faith and service. Once again, we’re inspired by the psalmist to be generous, merciful, honest and just in our dealings with others. The psalmist describes the just man as reliable; even immovable and steadfastly strong in the faith, with unshakable trust in God.
 
As the psalmist notes, the just man leaves an enduring reputation for goodness and honesty. Even when others falsely accuse such a person; those who know the just man or woman won’t believe the lies; as they fall so far from what others have known of the just person’s character and behavior in relationships. Even when just people are treated unfairly, we can know and trust that God will vindicate them at the final Judgment.
 
1 Cor. 2:1-5:  Now, after we’ve been focusing on how to “be” a light to others, St. Paul helps us to focus on “The Light;” our Lord, Jesus Christ. In Jesus’ crucifixion and Sacrifice of Himself on the Cross, we see the truest and most pure model of generosity and total self-giving. Jesus’ love and mercy and generosity are beyond our comprehension; but we still benefit from every effort we make to ponder and meditate on our Lord’s suffering and death and what that means for each one of us and for all of us, as a group… our very existence and Salvation! Like Paul, we must humbly acknowledge that we’re weak, fearful and wholly inadequate to act as God’s instruments, if not for the gift of His grace, which He lavishly bestows on us, so that we might serve others more effectively.
 
Matt 5:13-16:  We conclude our focus on “becoming Lights in the darkness for others,” with Jesus’ own words of encouragement and empowerment for us. We’re called, as Jesus suggests… to be “salt” and “light.” We’re called to be “salt,” to preserve justice and peace and the harmony that we hope to experience further in Paradise. Charitable works of love and mercy on Earth give us a foretaste of Heaven; garnishing and enriching the character or “flavor” of our interactions with one another! Without taking part in these missionary works of serving others, Jesus warns us that we will then have missed our purpose and be “good for nothing.” Instead, Jesus ties up our theme of “being a light.” We must be good role-models and set good examples; such that all may recognize God as the Source of our gracious goodness and glorify Him! Glory to God! 

Deacon Matt