Isaiah 58:7-10; Psalms 111(112), 1Corinthians 2:1-5; Mathew 5:13-16
The Practice of Faith
Dear friends, today is the Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Our readings invite us to reflect on the visible and practical consequences of our faith. Christian discipleship is not an abstract idea; it is a way of living that touches relationships, structures, and responsibilities at every level of life.
First, the readings challenge us with a clear call to kindness and solidarity. True faith awakens in us a concern for others that goes beyond sentiment. It urges us to share the world’s wealth justly, beginning within the family, extending to the local community, and reaching the international sphere. There is a lot of inequality in the world, whereby some swim in wealth while others languish in poverty. Surprisingly, wherever there are affluent estates, you will find poor dwellings nearby, especially in the developing world. The light of Christ cannot coexist with indifference to poverty, exclusion, or suffering. When we allow kindness to guide our choices, we become instruments through which God’s justice and compassion reach those on the margins. Are you an instrument of equality or inequality in the world?
Secondly, we are reminded to be proud—not in a worldly sense, but in a deeply spiritual one—of who we are: children of God, redeemed by the crucified Messiah. Saint Paul cautions us against boasting in human wisdom, strength, or merit. Before God and neighbour, our only true glory is the Cross of Christ. This humility frees us from competition and self-promotion, enabling us to serve others without seeking recognition. Our identity in Christ becomes the foundation of authentic service. Do you use your faith to seek favours and exemptions from obligations?
Jesus then uses two powerful images: salt and light. Salt gives taste; light gives direction. Both exist not for themselves but for others. To let our light shine means to live in such a way that our actions point beyond us to God. In our various capacities and positions—as parents, educators, leaders, ministers, professionals—we are called to set credible role models. Our integrity, compassion, and sense of responsibility can give “taste” to a world that often feels bland, confused, or morally disoriented. Unfortunately, children and youth of today lack role models to admire and emulate. Do you think that you qualify as a role model to the children and the youth in your neighbourhood?
Being a role model (salt and light) also implies a responsible use of the gifts and talents we have received. Talents are not private possessions; they are entrusted to us for the greater glory of God and the good of others. When gifts are buried in fear or selfishness, the world is poorer. When they are shared generously, the Kingdom of God becomes visible. Do you utilize your gifts and talents for the common good or for self-gratification?
I always try to live the call from today’s reading concretely in my mission among the Maasai people. In accompanying them, I have learned that evangelization also includes empowerment. By using my communication and research skills, I try to guide communities to articulate their needs, access information, and make informed decisions that improve their quality of life. This is not about imposing solutions, but about walking with people, listening, and enabling them to recognize their own dignity and capacity. In this way, faith becomes salt that preserves hope and light that opens paths toward a more humane future. The Gospel must precipitate into something concrete that meets the needs of the people we evangelize, otherwise, it will have no lasting impact. Do you feel that your mission, work, or position has impacted anyone so far?
Dear friends, as we celebrate this Eucharist, let us ask for the grace to live what we profess: to be kind and generous, humble and rooted in Christ, courageous in letting our light shine, and faithful in using our gifts for God’s glory. In doing so, we will truly become salt of the earth and light of the world.
Have a blessed Sunday.
Fr. Lawrence Muthee, SVD
SVD JAMBO KENTAN 