Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Lectionary: 73
5 FEB 2017 A.D.



First Reading IS 58:7-10

Thus says the LORD:
Share your bread with the hungry,
shelter the oppressed and the homeless;
clothe the naked when you see them,
and do not turn your back on your own.
Then your light shall break forth like the dawn,
and your wound shall quickly be healed;
your vindication shall go before you,
and 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!
If you remove from your midst
oppression, false accusation and malicious speech;
if you bestow your bread on the hungry
and satisfy the afflicted;
then light shall rise for you in the darkness,
and the gloom shall become for you like midday.



Responsorial Psalm PS 112:4-5, 6-7, 8-9

R. The just man is a light in darkness to the upright.

Light shines through the darkness for the upright;
he is gracious and merciful and just.
Well for the man who is gracious and lends,
who conducts his affairs with justice.
R. The just man is a light in darkness to the upright.

He shall never be moved;
the just one shall be in everlasting remembrance.
An evil report he shall not fear;
his heart is firm, trusting in the LORD.
R. The just man is a light in darkness to the upright.

His heart is steadfast; he shall not fear.
Lavishly he gives to the poor;
His justice shall endure forever;
his horn shall be exalted in glory.
R. The just man is a light in darkness to the upright.




Second Reading 1 COR 2:1-5

When I came to you, brothers and sisters,
proclaiming the mystery of God,
I did not come with sublimity of words or of wisdom.
For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you
except Jesus Christ, and him crucified.
I came to you in weakness and fear and much trembling,
and my message and my proclamation
were not with persuasive words of wisdom,
but with a demonstration of Spirit and power,
so that your faith might rest not on human wisdom
but on the power of God.



Alleluia JN 8:12

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
I am the light of the world, says the Lord;
whoever follows me will have the light of life.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.



Gospel MT 5:13-16

Jesus said to his disciples:
"You are the salt of the earth.
But if salt loses its taste, with what can it be seasoned?
It is no longer good for anything
but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.
You are the light of the world.
A city set on a mountain cannot be hidden.
Nor do they light a lamp and then put it under a bushel basket;
it is set on a lampstand,
where it gives light to all in the house.
Just so, your light must shine before others,
that they may see your good deeds
and glorify your heavenly Father."

Bible Study--Fifth Week in Ordinary Time--Cycle A
(courtesy of Vince Contreras: Sunday Scripture Study for Catholics)


"I see above all that charity must not remain hidden at the bottom of our hearts: 'nor do men light a lamp and put it under a bushel, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house.' It seems to me that this lamp is the symbol of charity; it must shine out not only to cheer those we love the best but all in the house." -St. Therese of Lisieux

Thanks BNA

You're always welcome, cb73!

Have a blessed week!

It's no secret that I am conservative. There has been so much rhetoric and bashing my first thought about the readings was much the same as my thoughts about the impending the super bowl and all the ire over the travel moratorium.  The super bowl adds were just chock full of politicized messages. Turkish Airlines was a sponsor of some large adds. I am tired of the political whining and constant battling going on. I'm a proponent of vetting to make sure more hatred doesn't seep into our country. We are drowning in it.

And then we have the second reading from Paul (a murderer of the early Christians) who Jesus knocked off his horse and was told go to a far away land and preach.
Can you imagine, a God who knows you killed and tortured His followers, picking YOU to preach the gospel in a foreign country?
I am not so sure I would have been open minded to Paul's presence in my home. I sure would never have trusted him with my kids. More than likely I would never let him in my yard. All because of word of mouth, and fear. Yet he is a persuasive brilliant writer. He was humble and he was an integral part of spreading the gospel of Christ. Am I serving God with my thoughts on this or my own fear.

We are the salt of the earth... a light to so many. Without US and what we can do for so many the world would be left without light in a lot of ways.
If I serve myself I would say take care of what we have right here. Then I worry about my brothers and sisters who have been murdered in Syria. If I don't want to be a hypocrite I would listen to God's will and pray that we follow it, even if I don't agree.

Some days it's hard to be a follower.

Thanks BNA and doctor art. The image of Paul really got to me!!!

Great points you make, angelfire! Thanks for ALL you do. The time and thoughts you share with us here are so valuable to us. Yet, like  you say, some days--it's awfully hard to be a Christian.

But always remember: our Blessed Lord will never give you more than your strong shoulders can bear. He is our light and strength.

Without our love and witness in the "everyday world," the Good News won't get spread. Think of it this way: we are like little radio transmitters--sending out signals, far and wide, of our great love for God. Others, who are receptive to our signals, both overt and covert,  will get the message!

Or, ask yourself this: what good is that yeast in the little foil package on the shelf at the supermarket? It's got to be opened, warmed, added to the dough, kneaded in, and then baked to give us that splendid loaf of bread.

CHRISTIANITY=LOVE IN ACTIONS!

...spread the word by deeds, however small they may seem to be....

Excellent point BNA and much needed.

ALWAYS welcome, angelfire!