5TH SUNDAY/ODT, YEAR A

(Isaiah 58:6-10; Ps 112(111); 1 Corinthians 2:1-5; Matthew 5:13-16)

Theme: Becoming the Substance that Breaks the Yoke

In his work Against Heresis, St Irenaeus states, “The Word of God became man, and the Son of God became the Son of man in order that man, being mingled with the Word of God and being granted adoption, should become Sons and daughters of God.”

Thus, as Prophet Isaiah states in the first reading, we need to break free from the yoke holding us back from becoming children of God. He assures us that our light will shine brightly, healing will emerge, good deeds will serve as the measure, and our Lord will be our rear guard.

However, people who behave as if they possess greater wisdom than the Creator frequently question Prophet Isaiah's assertion that the Lord protects us and that His promises will be fulfilled. As a result, we often retreat into unhappiness, focus exclusively on our own concerns, and remain unfamiliar with the light that guides those aspiring to become children of God.

In other words, one who is influenced or compelled to accept and endorse the beliefs of those who consider it acceptable to oppress, abuse, manipulate, belittle, cheat, and sometimes kill their fellow citizens, colleagues, or friends will never embody the shining light that protects and honours the upright of heart, nor can they develop a God-rested faith.

Nevertheless, we can liberate ourselves from this yoke of revenge, friendlessness, racism, and individualism, which are solely crafted by human wisdom. By adhering to the Lord's guidance as illustrated in the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5, we will progressively encounter the Spirit and the strength of faith that pursues God's directives rather than those of the wicked.

In essence, we are called to embody, preserve, and herald the persona of the Beatitudes so as to become the salt and light of our world: The salt that bears tested principles for transforming lives, and the light that outshines hopelessness, makes the wicked uncomfortable, improves the lives of ordinary people, and instils in all the capacity for greatness.

Therefore, if our life is connected and united with God’s word, the impact of our adoption as sons and daughters of God will gradually remove from our midst those yokes of enslavement and strengthen our hearts in God. Thus, let’s be open to purification and together become the prime movers of change.