First Reading: Isaiah 58:7-10

This selection is from the last section of the book. The people of Judah returned home to Jerusalem from exile in Babylon and must rebuild the city and re-establish the cultic practices.  They are not independent politically. They are under Persian rule.  However, there is a vision of a universal rule of God.

Isaiah addresses the religious practice of fasting at the beginning of this chapter. God asks for a different kind of self-denial. 

In relaying the message from God, the prophet issues three commands to emphasize the importance of our lives becoming a blessing for others: “share. . .shelter. . .clothe. . .”  A summary statement tells them to take care of “your own.”

These actions connect those, who are addressed by God, with “the hungry. . .the oppressed and the homeless. . .the naked.” This attitude of life becomes a “light” that begins a new day, a new creation. 

The weakness of mortality is changed, because the one, who performs these things, also benefits from them:  “your wound shall quickly be healed.”

Further, it opens communication with God, so that God responds just like the holy ones of Scripture: “Here I am!” God is attentive to the one who acts to  restore His intention for creation. 

Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 2:1-5

Paul appeals to a greater power, “the power of God,” in His proclamation of “the mystery of God.”

The word, “mystery,” is used to describe something that is beyond explanation.

It is an experience that extends beyond human sensibility. In Jewish apocalyptic literature of this time, it referred to the eschatological event of judgment. In some variants of this text, the copier replaced “mystery” with “testimony,” “gospel,” or even “salvation.”

They tried to clarify the meaning of the word.

For Paul, it referred to the Cross (“Jesus Christ, and Him crucified”), which opened humankind to a new experience of the presence and promise of God. 

Paul emphasizes his own shortcomings: “weakness… fear… trembling.”

He contrasts what he could say with “words of wisdom” and what God has done. Human wisdom cannot compare to the power of God.

Faith recognizes and is confidence in what God has already done.

Gospel: Matthew 5:13-16

Although scholars argue on the exact meaning or reference of the metaphors, the use of salt, city and light are for the good of others. Thus, the activity of the disciples must be in the context of the needs of the community in which they live.

God has a purpose for their lives in the midst of the world. 

The word “light” is used most frequently in this passage – four times!

God’s work in the Bible begins with the creation of light. It indicated a new beginning or a new creation.

The passage builds: “You are the light… .your light must shine before others.” Yet, their actions lead others to recognize “your heavenly Father.” Their lives must be clear signs of God’s presence and actions in the world. 

Light is a resource that we only think about when it isn’t there!

In my first assignment, there was a blackout on the week of Ash Wednesday, due to snow and ice.

At first, it was a novel experience! We offered Mass by candlelight, as we signed people with ashes and brought them the Eucharist, as servers held tapers to see the faces of the communicants. But as it passed through several days, it became very annoying! There was no light to shave in the morning. I could only work in my office during the daylight hours. There was nothing to do in the evening. All meetings in the parish had to be cancelled, and the TV didn’t work.

I appreciated even more the importance of light, especially since I could see lights in the buildings across the street. They weren’t affected! 

The staffs and the congregations of the parishes, where I have been assigned, have demonstrated the Spirit and power of faith in their lives. Their good deeds have helped me see what I am called to do. . .and challenged me to follow their example!

It is an important part of my role as a pastor to raise the spirit of the faithful people with whom we work and pray. I just met with our business manager to discuss some items in the budget for next year. He certainly made clear some potential dangers in one of the suggestions I made to save money. It would have cost spirit-power.

I just didn’t see all that were in the same “house” with me. . .until someone enlightened me! 

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Fr. Richard C. Macey is pastor of Our Lady of the Woods Parish, Woodhaven.