Be the Light of Christ!

Homily Notes: Be the Light of Christ!

Every time scripture is proclaimed Christ speaks. The readings assigned for the 5th-7th Sundays in Ordinary Time leave the homilist with a wonderful preaching plan renewing our commitment to the Arch- diocesan program Together in Mission. Even when a video is presented, a guest speaker shares their story, or pledges are being asked for, a brief one to two minute homily will help the parishioners hear God’s word in light of Together in Mission. February 5---Announcement Sunday (5th Sunday in Ordinary Time) Video Shown

Is 58:7-10 makes it clear that we are to notice the needs of others, not simply because it is a kind thing to do, but because God commands it. Isaiah, the prophet calls us to stop looking at our own struggles, which leads to darkness, but rather look out into the world and see the hungry, the naked, and the homeless. Who needs our help? In serving others we are raised out of our own darkness and become light for “other nations to see.”

According to Paul’s letter to the Corinthians (2:1-5) this is wisdom. True wisdom is not human, but rather Christ was crucified and raised. We share what we have with others not because it will help our bank accounts or retirement plans, but because our true hope rests ultimately on Jesus. God’s wisdom often contradicts human wisdom. In our Gospel (Mt 5:13-16) Jesus speaks as a prophet and more. He calls his followers to be salt and light. It’s not good enough for Christians to speak only, but they also must act. Parishioners and preachers alike become Christ’s light. Participating in the good works of Together in Mission is one way that every Catholic in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles becomes light for the world to see. How bright the light would be if everyone participated!

February 12—Commitment Sunday (6th Sunday in Ordinary Time) Guest Speaker

On this Sunday we are inviting our parishioners to make a commitment to Together in Mission. This Sunday’s scriptures give us the foundation on which to commit.

Sir 15:15-20 reminds us that God has given us freedom to make choices. We are not puppets. We have God’s freedom to decide what is best, but there is clearly a right way and a wrong way. “Before man are life and death, good and evil, whichever he chooses shall be given him.” Wisdom is loving God and making choices that are directed toward God’s justice. Sirach invites us to choose wisely!

Paul reminds us (1 Cor. 2:6-10) that Christian wisdom is mature, “not a wisdom of this age, nor of the rulers of this age who are passing away.” Christian wisdom is knowing Christ, and doing his will.

Christian wisdom is making mature decisions based on our love of Jesus because He is our foundation.

Jesus then (Mt. 5:17-37) invites us to righteousness which “surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees,” who made choices based on the letter of the law. Jesus takes us beyond the letter to something deeper. Killing gives way to anger, adultery gives way to lust, false oaths give way to saying ‘yes’ or ‘no.’ Committing to Together in Mission is more than being ‘nice’ to someone in need. It is righteous wisdom. Giving to others helps us become Christ’s light! February 19—Follow-up Sunday (7th Sunday in Ordinary Time)

Together in Mission offers Catholic parishioners a concrete way of living a mature faith, by becoming light for others. When Moses speaks to the Israelite community (Lv. 19:1-2, 17-18) he reminds them, and us, that we are to be holy just like God, who created us, is holy. Holiness is an action, a way of living out one’s life. Simply put, “you shall love your neighbor as yourself.” God’s holiness is not about taking care of oneself only, but helping those in need. This is authentic love. We love because God loves us first.

Paul points out (1 Cor. 3:16-23) that God’s creative Spirit lives within us. Through prayer we can discern God’s wisdom. Paul calls us to be worldly fools, but wise in the ways of faith. “Taking care of number one” is considered wise by worldly standards, but not for Paul. He invites us to be fools for Christ. Put simply, being a fool for Christ (MT. 5:38-48) is turning the other cheek, loving one’s enemies, giving away both cloak and tunic, going the extra mile, and giving generously to those who ask. Jesus’s words are clear and direct. They are also hard to fulfill! Yet, step by step, through the good choices we make, by being light for others to see, we are becoming “perfect, just as your heavenly Father is perfect.”