9 February 2014Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Two Sundays ago, a very familiar passage from the prophet Isaiah reminded us that the “people who walked in darkness have seen a great light.” Today’s readings from the Old Testament and from the Gospel of Matthew echo this familiar theme in new ways.
For the author of Matthew and for us, the Lord Jesus is the light of the world who has been shown to the nations. But today’s readings press us further along the path of faith in Jesus: We are called to be living manifestations of the Light of Christ.And if we don’t know where to begin, today’s first reading gets right down to business! Isaiah teaches that, as reflections of God’s light, God's People must:
Share your bread with the hungry,
Shelter the oppressed and the homeless;
Clothe the naked when you see them,
And do not turn your back on our own.
Then your light shall break forth like the dawn….(Is 58: 7-8, NAB)
Similarly, in the gospel, Jesus challenges us to give light to all in the house.
In 1989 a US president issued a similar challenge when he launched the “Thousand Points of Light” program. It was an invitation for individuals to “spread like stars throughout the nation, doing good.”
We do not need reminders of how much our world is submerged in the darkness of poverty, oppression, injustice and sinful behaviors. As Christians and citizens
we have a mandate to be points of light for others. We need to heed the
message of Isaiah and of Jesus to bring the light of healing and
understanding to broken hearts and ruptured societies.We can do this simply, without fuss or notice: an encouraging word, a simple gesture, a heartfelt embrace, a comforting hand, a listening heart, an act of kindness.
The author, Ms. Barbara Gawle, leads Bible studies at her parish,Incarnation Church of Wethersfield, CT. She is a CBS graduate and the 2012 recipient of the Biblical School's highest award, The Lawrence Boadt Memorial Medal.
