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5th Sunday Ordinary Time

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Cycle A

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A149: What does Jesus mean about having or being a "Light"?

There is a logical progression in the readings of these last three weeks. First, we are called to humility, to have "poverty of spirit" and recognize our dependence on God alone (3rd Sunday Ordinary Time). Then we are asked by Jesus to check our attitudes and actions against His 'list' of the ones that are blessed (4th Sunday Ordinary Time). Then today, having been 'discipled' by the Master, we are told without hesitation by Jesus that WE are the light for the world (5th Sunday Ordinary Time). That is a call for missionary action on our part; we are sharers in the mission of Jesus Christ through our baptism and confirmation. We are called to let our light shine, to do "good deeds" (Matt 5:16) that give glory to God.

And what are those "good deeds"? Isaiah tells us what makes our light shine (Is 58:7-10): taking care of the poor and relieving the oppressed. And it is on that basis alone that we will be judged when we stand before the throne of God (Matt 25:31-46).

Reflection: Sometimes a personal, spiritual "inventory taking" can be painful. Yet it is necessary, to see if the light of Christ, given to us at baptism, is still shining brightly.

Be specific: precisely what have I done to help the materially poor, the oppressed, or those in pain?

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Your Faith Rests Not On The Wisdom Of Men

During the Nazi era in Germany, one of the strongest Catholic leaders in the German Reich was Cardinal Michael von Faulhaber (1869-1952). An able Bible professor, he long taught courses on the Old Testament in the University of Strassburg. Then in 1911 he was named bishop of Speyer: and in 1917, Archbishop of Munich. Pope Benedict XV raised him to the rank of Cardinal in 1921.

A few years after Faulhaber received the "red hat," Adolf Hitler began to rise into power. The Cardinal held Hitler in little esteem. As a nobleman, he disdained this Austrian upstart; as a churchman he disapproved of his ideology. In the early 1930's when Hitler's Nazis began to peddle their deadly philosophy, the Cardinal boldly condemned racism, neo-paganism and totalitarianism from his cathedral pulpit, basing his sermons on the scriptures with which he was so familiar. Particularly notable was his Advent sermons of 1933, in which he emphasized that Christianity had its roots in Judaism.

As an intellectual, Cardinal Faulhaber was also not at all uncomfortable in conversing, and even sparring, with other savants. There is a famous story of his chat with the great Nobel physicist - Jewish but agnostic -Albert Einstein (1879-1955).

Einstein and the Cardinal met on one occasion, and during their conversation the scientist said: "I respect religion, but I believe in mathematics. Probably it is the other way round with your Eminence, isn't it?"

"No," Faulhaber quietly replied, "to me both are merely different expressions of the same divine truth."

But Einstein responded, "If mathematical science should prove one day that some of its findings are in direct conflict with religious beliefs what would you say then?"

"Oh," said the Cardinal with a smile, "I share the highest regard for mathematicians and I am certain that in such a case you people would never rest until you found out where your mistake was!"

St. Paul says much the same to us in today's second reading. "Your faith rests not on the wisdom of men but on the power of God."

-Fr. Robert F. McNamara

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Q305: How can I put new “life” into the “salt” and “light” metaphors that Jesus uses in today’s gospel (Matt. 5:13-16)?

Think of your Christian calling to be a “witness” and “example” for others, when reading about Salt and Light.

In our First Reading today (Isaiah 58:7-10) Israel is called to share basic necessities with the less fortunate - - simple things like food, shelter and clothing. The Lord says, through Isaiah, that these actions are like a “Light” that suddenly breaks forth like dawn eliminating a gloomy night. Similarly, the Lord tells us, again through Isaiah, that our calling is also to be pro-active in the pursuit of social justice for those denied such basic rights. Their gloomy “darkness” will be eliminated by God’s glorious light shining through you.

By living as a witness to selflessness, meaning to God’s compassionate caring by our outreach to others, we act as examples that draw others to Jesus; we become “catalysts” of grace, magnets of the kingdom. This was one of the functions of “Salt” in the time of Jesus, to be a catalyst used in cooking (oven lining) and thereby generate more heat. Accordingly, Jesus wants us to be his “catalyst,” his channel of grace, his method of reaching out to others with his very own compassionate love.

Isn’t this the most fundamental call of all Christians who believe in the Good News? God manifests his power through our weaknesses (Second Reading – 1 Cor 2:1-5), not through our own wisdom. We spread the Good News of God’s love when we share (alms), when we care (outreach) and via prayer (intercession).

Know Your Catechism! Salt and Light are not idle words; they are metaphors for Mission (CCC #782). This mission takes us down a path of evangelization, self-sacrifice, and service (CCC #852). Whenever you see the Easter candle by the baptismal font, remember its meaning: the baptized have become “the light of the world” in Christ, the true Light (CCC #1243).

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