Paul's Reflections 5th Sunday of the Year - A. 6th February, 2011

6th February, 2011      5th Sunday of the Year - A

 

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The image of ‘salt of the earth’ is a very good. In Jesus’ day, salt was a very previous commodity. It was valuable and useful. It was considered the purest thing you could get, because it was a product of only Sea and Sun. It was considered worthy to offer with sacrifices because of its purity and value. What seems to be suggested here is ‘purity’ in the broadest sense of people who don’t let their standards drop in relation to their high standard of work, their standard of honesty, speech,, behaviour and morality.(*)

 

Salt was also considered one of the best preservatives; it would keep things from going bad.(*)

 

And of course, salt adds flavour to food, which would otherwise be bland and tasteless…(*)

 

So, the Christian, by the life and their attitudes and actions is to be someone who doesn’t lower their standards, who preserves all that is best in the community, and who adds flavour to life and to the community.   This is very beautiful.  

 

So, this weekend’s readings remind us that we are called to be a positive example and a good influence in the world.

 

The first reading is really quite wonderful. It is an excellent answer to the constant question of the Christian disciple:  “Lord, what must we do?”

The answer is very practical: “Your light will shine when you give food to the hungry, shelter to the homeless, clothe the naked, support our family, unburden the oppressed, act justly and speak lovingly.” Christ’s light will shine whenever we act with mercy, kindness, compassion, and with justice and practical charity.”

 

This is how we are to let our light shine….

This is how we can “love tenderly, act justly and walk humbly with our God” – in these very practical ways!

 

And, in the second reading we again see the instruction that it is essential that we put our hope and dependence on God and not merely our own human willpower and strength.

 

The last part of the Gospel gives us a refreshing reference point for our behaviour.  It can help us re-focus on what motivates our actions and words:   We ARE called to be an example and an influence in society. We should not feel shy about this, but we should also be aware that it’s not from our own worthiness or ability, but completely from God’s graciousness and love. We are called upon to do good works and not hide our talents and abilities,  but always with this condition: We are called to do good works in order that God will receive the glory and the praise.  So, if the good that we do, does not lead to a greater appreciation, praise and worship of God, and if the good we do leads to us gaining more and more credit and praise and attention, then we haven’t got it quite right. Everything we do is directed to turning our minds and hearts and those around us towards Jesus Christ the Lord:  The true source of love, grace and compassion: 

 

 

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REFERENCES:

 

·        FR. PAUL W. KELLY

·        (*) THE DAILY STUDY BIBLE. GOSPEL OF MATTHEW. (REVISED EDITION). BY WILLIAM BARCLAY.