Introduction

 There is no one who does not want good things in his/her life. In fact, everyone expects something good. Everyone wishes that good things will multiple for him or for her. The Prophet Isaiah says that each person is encouraged to offer good things to others so that the good these can multiple for everyone on earth.

 

First Reading: Isaiah 58.6-10

In the first reading of today, the Prophet Isaiah says those who offer good things to others will in turn receive good things.  The words of Isaiah are like beatitudes. They can serve as inspiring daily prayer, as well: 

 “Then your light shall break forth like the dawn, 

and your healing shall spring up quickly;

your vindicator shall go before you,

the glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard.

Then you shall call, and the Lord will answer;

you shall cry for help, and he will say, ‘Here I am.’” (Isaiah 58:8-9)

Amen!

 Yes, in the above words of Isaiah (58:8-9), a person can pray that his/her light might break like the dawn, that his/her healing might spring up quickly; that his vindicator might go before him/her, that the glory of the Lord might be his/her guard. When he/she calls, the Lord might answer; when he/she cries for help, the Lord might say, ‘Here I am’.The Prophet Isaiah suggests two-fold series of good works, which are commonly known in the Catholic Church as the Corporal Works of Mercy and Spiritual Works of Mercy: “The works of mercy are charitable actions by which we come to the aid of our neighbor in his spiritual and bodily necessities . Instructing, advising , consoling, comforting are spiritual works of mercy , as are forgiving and bearing wrongs patiently . the corporal works of mercy consist especially in feeding the hungry , sheltering the homeless, clothing the naked, visiting the sick and imprisoned , and burying the dead . Among all these, giving alms to the poor is one of the chief witnesses to fraternal charity : it is also a work of justice pleasing to God ” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2447) .

 According to St. John Chrysostom : "Not to enable the poor to share in our goods is to steal from them and deprive them of life . the goods we possess are not ours, but theirs". "The demands of justice must be satisfied first of all; that which is already due in justice is not to be offered as a

gift of charity" (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2446). The teachings of the Catholic Church emphasize: “God blesses those who come to the aid of the poor and rebukes those who turn away from them: "Give to him who begs from you, do not refuse him who would borrow from you" "you received without pay , give without pay ". It is by what they have done for the poor that Jesus Christ will recognize his chosen ones . When "the poor have the good news preached to them," it is the sign of Christs' presence ” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2443).

 With this first reading of the fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time, each person is encouraged to obtain the blessings of God by first helping others to be part of a life of blessings of God through the acquisition of basic human needs (Isaiah 58:6-10).

The Psalmist of today’s reading says those who help the needy set the inspiration and example for others to imitate, and as such, things will be well with such generous people: “Those who fear the Lord rise in the darkness as a light for the upright; they are gracious, merciful, and righteous.

It is well with those who deal generously and lend, who conduct their affairs with justice. (Psalm 112:4-5)

 Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 2.1-5

St. Paul reminds the Corinthian New Testament community that the proclamation of the Word of God should be accompanied with a sign of demonstration of both the Spirit and the power of God:

 "My speech and my proclamation

were not with plausible words of wisdom,

but with a demonstration of the Spirit and of power,

so that your faith might rest not on human wisdom

but on the power of God. (I Corinthians 2:4-5)

 

In light of Isaiah 58, the best and most concrete demonstration of the Spirit and the power of God involves helping people to receive the basic things they need with regard to human and social necessities of life. For it is within the Spirit of God to provide for the needs of the person; it is within the power of God to give good things to each human person. Therefore, it is necessary that the proclamation of the Word of God goes hand-in-hand with the ways God works – that is, to provide basic necessities to each human person.

 Gospel: Matthew 5.13-16

In the Gospel of today, Jesus goes up the mountain (Matthew 5:13) implies Jesus goes to a higher level or layer of life. When his disciples join him at this higher level of life, Jesus encourages them to aspire to higher way of virtuous life: like salt, to give taste to the way of life on earth, to do virtuous things that season life on earth, to do things that preserve or keep the quality of life on earth, to do things that purify and keep the goodness of life on earth, etc.:

 “You are the salt of the earth;

but if salt has lost its taste,

how can its saltiness be restored?

It is no longer good for anything,

but is thrown out and trampled under foot. (Matthew 5:13)

 

Jesus teaches his disciples to ascend a higher layer of virtuous life by being a light of the world. Light makes life radiant. Light clarifies the best option for a person. Light gives hope. People lit up when they receive good things. Good works help people to shine as light, and so give glory to God:

“You are the light of the world.

A city built on a hill cannot be hidden

No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket,

but on the lampstand,

and it gives light to all in the house.

In the same way,

let your light shine before others,

so that they may see your good works

And give glory to your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:14-16)