Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time – February 5, 2023
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February 6, 2023Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time – February 5, 2023
You are the salt of the earth . . . (Mt 5, 13)
You are the light of the world. (Mt.5, 14)
Dear Parishioners and Friends,
As we continue our study of the Gospel of Saint Matthew we enter a deeper relationship with the Lord Jesus. We have just prayed over the section of chapter five well known as the Beatitudes - the way to happiness in this world and especially the next. Jesus inspires and challenges us. After He has comforted us, He doesn’t hesitate to make clear the demands of the Christian life. As Christians we are called to put our faith into action. We must live what we profess. Again, the Lord addresses us in a charming way to win us over.
Jesus speaks to our hearts with examples we can still comprehend. We are called to be “the salt of the earth” and “the light of the world”. We can’t just sit back and watch the world go by. We must do all we can to make a difference on the side of Christ. Christians must commit themselves to making God known and to living lives of love. The world becomes a better place when we fully live out our faith. One philosopher once lamented: “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.” If those with clear Christian convictions and clean consciences just sit back and watch from the side lines, then should we be surprised that those with the opposite perspective seem to prevail? If Christians kneel before the world instead of before Jesus Christ, the Lord, should we be surprised that evil spreads? Jesus teaches us that we must take a stand with and in Him if we genuinely believe what He has revealed to us.
The letter of Saint Paul gives us encouragement. The Corinthians lived in a sophisticated yet ungodly society. They were a minority. Yet Paul preaches to them about the need to fully live the faith in unity. Christians need to stand together for the good. The wisdom Paul shares remains fundamental. In 1Cor.2, 5 Paul witnesses to the Corinthians and to us “that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.” In 1Cor. 2, 2 Paul preaches what is the foundation of our faith: “For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.” We can be “the salt of the earth” and “the light of the world” only through Jesus Christ crucified. His love and grace will always be sufficient to us. The only sure and certain way is the Way of the Cross.
The Lord is counting on you to do your part.
Yours in the Immaculate Heart of Mary,
Fr. Mark G. Mazza, Pastor
