Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time - Year A
February 5, 2017
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 under foot. 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."
http://www.usccb.org
The difficult words
(*)To glorify means to honor or praise.
This week’s spotlight
Vocation
A vocation is a call from God to a particular path to
holiness. Vocations to the priesthood and consecrated life are rare and
special. Most of the baptized, however; have a vocation to be holy in the
world, like the salt and light in today's Gospel.These Christians bring Jesus
and his message into society, their families, and everyday life.
Strength in weakness
Today's letter from Saint Paul, like many passages of
the Bible, teaches us the "mystery" of Jesus crucified, the mystery of
strength in weakness. It's difficult to grasp, because Jesus turns everything
upside down. In sports, for example, you want to be strong and to win. In school, you want to be smart. In friendships, you want to be popular. Jesus on
the cross, however; chooses weakness, failure, ugliness, and pain. God loves
weakness, because it opens us to love. Only with his love are we truly strong.
Reflection
Salt and light
Have you ever seen a movie about secret agents or
spies from foreign lands? A spy always has an important job to carry out -
sometimes a mission to save the world! We don’t often think about our mission
as Catholics, but Jesus wants us to work with him to save the world. Our
mission doesn't involve guns, disguises, or fancy gadgets. It’s the mission of
salt and light.Though salt and light are silent and nearly invisible, they make
a huge difference. A pinch of salt makes everything taste better. A tiny ray of
light keeps us from fear and stumbling in the dark. Living the mission of Jesus
is often hidden and very difficult. It means sharing our food with the hungry,
welcoming those who are suffering, and speaking the truth with love. If you
choose to accept it, this is your mission!
Discussion questions
2.What happens if salt looses its taste?
3.Then what does Jesus call his disciples?
4.Why does the light must shine before others?
After
receiving Holy Communion,
you can say this prayer silently to yourself. If you
have not yet
received your First Communion, you can still say this prayer because of your desire to
receive Jesus.
Father, through Jesus, in
communion with the whole Church, I thank you for coming into my heart. Let your
light shine in and through me as I begin the week ahead. Help me to love others
as you love them.
This week…
Be honest in prayer
In the second reading, Saint Paul
tells us that he carried out his mission feeling weak and afraid. Imitate him
this week by taking a minute each day to tell God about the things that make
you feel weak, embarrassed, or afraid.
Share what you have
The Lord tells us through Isaiah
that he hears the prayers of those who do not turn their backs on others. Do
something this week to help the poor; or to care for a family member who is
suffering.
Crossword Puzzle
Source: usccb.org
- Magnifikid - sermons4kids.com – rclblectionary.com
–usccb.org/bible/readings-audio.cfm