First Reading: Isaiah 58:7-10

Reflection:

In this reading from the Prophet Isaiah, we hear the Lord commanding Israel (and us today) to minister to those who are afflicted. The acts of feeding the hungry, giving shelter to the homeless, clothing the naked, etc. have been traditionally called the “corporal works of mercy” in Catholic teaching. In speaking about these types of acts, Jesus said, “whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me” (Matt. 25:40). Thus, Jesus connects love of our neighbors with love of God. In other words, we serve and love God by helping those in need. Doing these acts of mercy is an essential part of being a follower of Jesus. In fact, this reading from Isaiah speaks of these acts bringing forth light in the darkness. In this Sunday’s Gospel reading, Jesus calls His followers to be “the light of the world.” Putting the two passages together, it is evident that one of the primary ways we, as Christians, can be “the light of the world” is through doing the corporal works of mercy. When we help the afflicted in service of God, Jesus’ light shines in the darkness.

Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 2:1-5

Reflection:

In this passage Paul reminds the Christians in Corinth of the message he preached to them when he had been with them and founded the Church there. He explains that he proclaimed the gospel in Corinth not with great eloquence and complexity but with the simplicity and yet profundity of preaching Christ crucified. He reminds the Corinthians that their faith is not based on “persuasive words” or “human wisdom,” but on the “power of God.” In other words, they should not put their faith in Paul or any other human being but in the great power of God. We should heed this advice today too, especially when considering Jesus’ call in the Gospel to be “salt” and “light.” The best way to be “salt” and “light” in the world is to allow the power of God to manifest in our lives. In other words, effectively sharing our faith with others is not dependent upon how well we can articulate our faith through eloquent words or how knowledgable about the faith we are (although neither of those is a bad thing), but it is up to the work of the Holy Spirit acting through us. Only God can change people’s hearts. We are called to be His instruments in witnessing to the faith through evidencing the work of God in our lives by our actions and our words. That is how we can effectively be “salt” and “light” to an unbelieving world.

Gospel Reading: Matthew 5:13-16

Reflection:

This passage comes from an early part of Jesus’ “Sermon on the Mount,” immediately following the Beatitudes (“Blessed are…”). Jesus calls His followers, including us today, to be “the salt of the earth” and “the light of the world.” To be “salt” means to bring flavor and preservation to the world. As Jesus’ disciples, we are to do this by following His commandments and allowing the Holy Spirit to work in and through us. We bring the sweet flavor of the goodness of God into a world that has lost its sweetness due to sin. At the same time, we are called to be “the light of the world.” The result of sin is spiritual darkness in the world. Jesus said elsewhere, “I am the light of the world” (cf. John 8:12). Jesus came to crush the darkness of sin, and He allows His followers to participate in bringing His light to the world. We should not hide the light of Christ within us but let it “shine before others.” As His followers, Jesus calls us to proclaim His truth and goodness to the world. We are called to do “good deeds” in order to bring glory to God. Ultimately, Jesus calls us to participate in His transformative work in the world through allowing His transformative work to take effect in us.

Application:

  • With Lent fast approaching, consider ways that you can commit to doing the “corporal works of mercy” during the Lenten season and beyond. Consider volunteering at a food bank/homeless shelter or giving financially toward an organization that serves those who are afflicted. Make a plan and commitment for how to put the works of mercy into action.
  • Jesus calls His followers to be “salt” and “light” in the world. Ask the Lord in prayer this week for opportunities to be “salt” and “light,” and for the boldness to take them when they come.