Salt to Uplift - Light to Guide . . . 5th Sunday Ordinary Time
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Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time - February 5th, 2023
(Click Here for Readings)
Isaiah's appeal to the Israelites who were fixed on rebuilding their homeland while neglecting the oppressed, was the same advice also given by St Peter to the presbyters some 600 years later. . .
Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—
not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away. (1 Peter 5:2-4)
Isaiah warned the Israelites that by separating themselves from the needy in their community, they’d be less productive. But by working in unity and equally sharing resources so that no one was in need, their results would improve.
And as St. Paul also reminded the Corinthians . . . not that others should have relief while you are burdened, but that as a matter of equality your surplus at the present time should supply their needs, so that their surplus may also supply your needs, that there may be equality . . . (2 Corinthians 8:13-14)
The ideals of Isaiah and Sts. Peter and Paul are without question being ignored today by secular-minded people of power who regularly misappropriate their resources for their own benefit at the expense of the needy in their communities and workplaces. They are the “saltless” of our world; the darkness without light, contrary to what Jesus wants us to be in Matthew’s Gospel this Sunday.
Being the salt of the earth is never related to one’s power, wealth or position. Two of my most beautiful friends, a married couple in their fifties, have been doing manual labor for a living together for years. At a social gathering you’d quickly notice their simplicity, unpretentiousness and complete peace with their lot in life to the point that you’re drawn to them before anyone else in the room.
They are mysteriously attractive and personify all the functions of what salt does. They fertilize the souls of their friends with inspiring faith-centered truths we seldom hear from most folks; they flavor our hearts with their pure and humble lifestyle, and uplift our spirits with their honesty, authenticity and love.
When we have questions or concerns about life and faith, they’re the go-to couple. They also happily “share their bread with the hungry and never turn their backs on their own” as Isaiah pleaded to the Israelites.
We all have salt to share, and the more we're able to die to ourselves, the more of it we can release. Salt by itself merely sits in the shaker on a restaurant table. For it to be effective, it must be applied to our food in the same way we must apply it to our friends, family and communities.
We are called to be salt; to activate it and not keep it "in the shakers of our hearts."
Be the salt in your surroundings and watch your life change. Seek to fertilize, flavor and uplift the needs of others with your salt and just watch, as Isaiah promised the Israelites, “your light break forth like the dawn.”
(For more reflections on the Sunday Readings, Go Here)
