We have to be useful like the light of the world........

Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time.

First Reading. Is. 58: 7-10.

Prophet Isaiah reveals to the Israelites about the perfect life that they should live if they are to show their true love towards God and the way in which they could reap God’s blessings.

Second Reading. 1 Cor. 2: 1-5.

St. Paul in all simplicity reveals to the Jews how God’s power became active through the Spirit because he became humble enough not to use God’s power and wisdom in order to preach the Gospel.

Jesus preaches to the disciples about the importance of living useful and worthwhile lives. For this reason we like the sault and the light ought to be worthwhile and useful.

Reflection.

Today’s readings remind us of the importance of living a perfect life as Christians. As Christians we ought to be useful and worthwhile. For this reason we have to be charitable and show our love, care and concern towards our neighbor. We have to place God before ourselves. Then the Spirit becomes active in us and the power of God begins to work in and through us. The readings promise God’s blessings and fulfillment of all requests as a result.

The first reading in concrete form tells us the need to live a charitable life if we are to generate the power of God. It says “Share your bread with the hungry, and bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked, cover him and do not hide yourself from your own flesh. Then shall your light break-forth like the dawn, and your healing shall spring up speedily; your righteousness shall go before you, the glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard.” It also promises God’s answering of all prayers of such kind and charitable persons.

In the second reading St. Paul reveals to the Corinthians how he became humble before God and how God activated His power through him. The more he tried to suppress his human wisdom and power in preaching the Good News the more active became the power of God through the Spirit. It happened so that the people would not rest their faith in the wisdom of man but in the power of God. For placing our trust and faith in the power of God than in the power of men is important for the salvation of man.

In the Gospel, living a perfect Christian life is highlighted. We have to be worthwhile like the sault of the earth. Otherwise we would be worthy only to be trampled underfoot. In other words we would be worthless. We also have to be useful like the light of the world for this reason we have to let our light shine for the benefit of others. Then like a city set on a hill the people would see the good deeds that we do and give praise to God and they too would come to the light.

Aid Story.

Two well-to-do gentlemen visited the Trillie Leprosarium in Salamanea and from doorway of the room tossed in very expensive cigars and other presents for the men patients and candy for the women. After them some poor visitors arrived and since they did not have presents for the sick; they sat down by their beds and talked to them; and the lepers, crying told them that they were grateful for their charity and love than for the gifts of the other visitors.

Aid Story 2.

A young Boy Scout was on manoeuvres with his fellow Scouts. They were being trained in first aid methods and how to come to the help of those in need. This Scout’s job was to lie on the ground with a red bandage on him and wait for his fellow Scouts to come and administer first aid. He waited and waited and waited. When the other troop members came, they found a note that said, “I have bled to death and gone home.”

Fr. Ciswan De Croos.

Marian year.

 Men sometimes wonder that we call her Mother of life, of mercy, of salvation; what are all these compared to that one name, Mother of God? (John Henry Cardinal Newman)