HOMILY FOR THE FIFTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, YEAR A BY REV. FR. JUSTIN ADIELE

Theme: LET YOUR LIGHT SHINE

INTRODUCTION

One of our Christian mandates is to be the light and salt of the world around us. To fulfill this mandate, we must remain energized and fully charged within our hearts to give out radiance and sweetness; energized and supper charged with the Word of the Lord which is a lamp for our feet, and light on our path (cf. Ps. 119: 105). Cut off from the Word of God, we lose our shine and our sweet taste. We are therefore recharged to shine by the Word of God. How deeply charged are you then with the Word of God?

THE FIRST READING (IS. 58: 7–10)

In the first reading of today, the word of God came through Isaiah directing us on how to shine. In order to shine, the Word of God charges us to share our bread, to shelter the homeless, and to clothe the naked, then shall your light shine. The word of God also charged us to remove the yoke, the pointing of fingers and the speaking of wickedness against others. We have received this charge and must emit/execute the command.

THE SECOND READING (1 COR. 2: 1–5)

In the second reading, St. Paul insisted that he came to shine for the gentiles not with the lofty words or wisdom of men but with the simple knowledge of the Christ crucified. He came to shine not with the philosophy or logic of men, but with the philosophy and logic of God.

THE GOSPEL READING (MT. 5: 13–16)

In the gospel reading, our Lord Jesus Christ gave his disciples the mandate to illumine and sweeten the world as light and salt do. He also charged them not to lose their shine or their sweet/pleasant taste. To fulfill this mandate, one must be truly altruistic and never selfish; making the world/others (not just only ourselves) happier, brighter, and better with our kindness and good works.

CONCLUSION

In the Gospel, Jesus indirectly warned us that if we cannot illumine or sweeten the world, we shall be thrown out like dead batteries and trampled upon. If we cannot be employed for the service and wellbeing of others, we shall be thrown away. If we cannot be instrumental to dispel the darkness, bitterness and wickedness in the world, we shall be thrown away. If we cannot preserve our family, our church our work place from being rotten with evils and corruption, we have failed in our Christian mandate to shine. If we cannot be agents for eradicating poverty, injustice, suffering and sorrow of the world around us; our lights and taste are already out. May the word of God recharge and re-energize us again today, to radiate goodness, kindness, truth, justice, love, peace, reconciliation, and mercy to the world. And may God continue to hear our cry, answer our prayers and fill us with his glory!

Happy Sunday!

Fr. Justin