Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Also Read: Mass Readings for 05 February 2023 Homily for 05 February 2023 – Sunday
First Reading: Isaiah 58: 7-10
The remedy to Depression!
If you remove the yoke from among you, the pointing of the finger, the speaking of evil, if you offer your food to the hungry and satisfy the needs of the afflicted, then your light shall rise in the darkness and your gloom be like the noonday. (9-10)
God speaks to us today through Prophet Isaiah about the way to fast and show true worship. It is by sharing with the needy. But in the process, there lies a remedy to depression and it comes with a condition! Not surprising really! When we are afflicted, we may tend to keep grudges about the people involved, the circumstances et al. But the moment we let go of these grudges, we will find a sense of peace descend in our hearts. From that place of peace, we will be able to tide over troubled waters and cruise over craggy thoughts. Then when we are freed, we will be able to reach out to others afflicted similarly. What a joy to be a blessing then.
In Jesus’ Name, Amen!
Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 112: 4-9
It is well with those who deal generously and lend, who conduct their affairs with justice. For the righteous will never be moved; they will be remembered forever. (5-6)
Amen!
Second Reading: First Corinthians 2: 1-5
My speech and my proclamation were not with plausible words of wisdom, but with a demonstration of the Spirit and of power, so that your faith might rest not on human wisdom but on the power of God. (4-5)
The humility of this great Apostle of Christ is evident in the reading today. Through all of his wisdom and works, he seeks to glorify God’s power. May we learn from his attitude and try to emulate the same in our lives.
Amen!
Gospel: Matthew 5: 13-16
In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven. (16)
St. Paul exemplified this teaching of Christ in his life. We are called to be the salt and the light. We must first recognize our God-given talents: what is our saltiness? What special gift do we have, that can bring the light of Christ to others? We must unearth the qualities we possess and utilize them for the common good of those around us!
In Jesus’ Name, Amen!
