February 06, 2011
5th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Don't think it: "I have been through the whole winter without a cold." The germs know your thoughts. Guess what? I have a chest and sinus cold! Time for chicken noodle soup. It is a new day for our favorite soups -- 25% less salt. The intake of sodium was not a concern in the ancient world. Salt was a precious commodity. Cities were built near a supply. Salt was a symbol of purity in worship. Salt was used when covenants were entered into signifying fidelity to the promise. Even today at baptism salt symbolizes the wisdom of hearing and living God's Word. Jesus says to his disciples: "You are the salt of the earth." "You are the light of the world." Jesus is speaking to us. How can we be/become salt that flavors/seasons, that preserves goodness in our society? How can we be/become light that dispels darkness in our world? Isaiah in our 1st reading gives direction: loose bonds of injustice, free the oppressed, share your bread, open you house to the homeless, cloth the naked, remove malicious speech -- then your light will rise in the darkness. St. Paul in the 2nd reading confesses his own weakness and acknowledges that is only by God's grace in Jesus Christ that he preaches the mystery and wisdom of God. We are only vessels and lamps of a surpassing glory. We still use the expression "salt of the earth" in describing persons who embody God's goodness. We still make reference to people who "brighten" the room when they enter. May it be said of us as well.
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4th Sunday in Ordinary Time
