Our Ministries
3 Feb

Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Isaiah’s instructions from the Lord have come to be known as the Corporal Works of Mercy. In many ways, they are akin to the Beatitudes. Good actions on behalf of others lead to blessings from the Lord. Doing the will of the Lord is like the light of the dawn, bringing forth a new day of grace and justice. Today we pray these words from Anne Osdieck: “We want to share our bread with the hungry; we want to shelter the homeless and help the immigrant. Show us how. Show us how to clothe the naked, free those who are prisoners. Teach us to give, a little at first, then all we have.”

Catholic social teaching tells us that charity (the Corporal Works of Mercy) must be followed by solidarity. We give bread to those in need (Mobile Loaves and Fishes and St. Vincent de Paul), but the next step is entering into relationship with those who are hungry. When we relate to those who are hungry, those who live on the margins, we become the “light of the world.” Pope Paul VI told world leaders that peace is rooted in “sincere feelings” for those In need, for those who have hunger for many other things in life, not only food. Many of the hungers we encounter are those for peace and justice.

As we move out of our comfort zones to spend time with those who are different from us, Pope Francis encourages us to rejoice in their presence; he urges us to spend time in their company and to communicate with them. We can be both salt and light. Salt transforms the blandest food; light is precious in any kind of darkness. Jesus says:  “You are the salt, you are the light.” That is the nature of discipleship.

We want to share. Show us how! Teach us to give, a little at first, then all we have.

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