Year A: 5th Sunday in Ordinary Time

 First Reading: Isaiah 85: 7-10

In the First Reading today, we are given clearer guidance about how to let our light shine in the darkness as Jesus suggests in the Gospel.

In many ways it seems too easy - and may be something that we do already - sharing our food with those who have none - sheltering those who are homeless - and clothing those who are naked.

Yet, if we do those things, God promises that our light will shine like the dawn - and that He will be close to us and answer our calls for help.

Having begun to do practical things to help the poor and the needy, Isaiah then suggests other ways in which we can allow our light to shine in the world- ways that require a change of heart...

We can be charitable without its costing too much of us - but here we are asked to do away with the yoke - the clenched fist - the wicked word...We are asked to let go of the things that we use to burden other people - whatever they might be. We are asked to avoid physical violence - and words that can cause harm and injury to others. These may require more effort to control - but are part of allowing the pure light of God to shine through us.

What does it mean for me?

It may feel like a utopian dream - but, just for a while from time-to-time - allow yourself to dream of a world run along the principles that Isaiah sets out here and Jesus sets out in His Sermon on the Mount. How would the world be different - and how much do you want to be an active part of that difference?

Text © 2007 Wellspring

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