1ST READING
Isaiah is calling for justice in society. What is justice? There are many answers to this question. One aspect of justice that is often overlooked is the common good, particularly that for which the government is responsible. All members of society, rich or poor, should be provided with basic utilities such as transportation, water, electricity and others.
Isaiah 58:7-10
7 Thus says the Lord: Share your bread with the hungry, shelter the oppressed and the homeless; clothe the naked when you see them, and do not turn your back on your own. 8 Then your light shall break forth like the dawn, and your wound shall quickly be healed; your vindication shall go before you, and the glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard. 9 Then you shall call, and the Lord will answer, you shall cry for help, and he will say: Here I am! If you remove from your midst oppression, false accusation and malicious speech; 10 if you bestow your bread on the hungry and satisfy the afflicted; then light shall rise for you in the darkness, and the gloom shall become for you like midday.
P S A L M
Psalm 112:4-5, 6-7, 8-9
R: The just man is a light in darkness to the upright.
4 Light shines through the darkness for the upright; he is gracious and merciful and just. 5 Well for the man who is gracious and lends, who conducts his affairs with justice. (R) 6 He shall never be moved; the just one shall be in everlasting remembrance. 7 An evil report he shall not fear; his heart is firm, trusting in the Lord. (R) 8 His heart is steadfast; he shall not fear. 9 Lavishly he gives to the poor; his justice shall endure forever; his horn shall be exalted in glory. (R)
2ND READING
The power of the Gospel is inherent in its nature as truth. The Gospel will cut through the lies of the world. Paul celebrates this power when he said that he does not need to be an eloquent speaker as the truth has the power to convince the unbeliever. Jesus knew this and He often spoke in parables – stories that illuminate the truth in the common language. Like Jesus and Paul, we need not worry about what we say but to allow the truth of the Gospel of Salvation to speak for itself.
1 Corinthians 2:1-5
1 When I came to you, brothers and sisters, proclaiming the mystery of God, I did not come with sublimity of words or of wisdom. 2 For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ, and him crucified. 3 I came to you in weakness and fear and much trembling, 4 and my message and my proclamation were not with persuasive words of wisdom, but with a demonstration of Spirit and power, 5 so that your faith might rest not on human wisdom but on the power of God.
GOSPEL
Why does the Gospel have power? Why does the witness of Christians have power? Because the Gospel is true and there lies its power. I discovered in my faith walk that the more I trust in the truth of the Gospel, the more it is manifested in my life and the lives of those I minister to. This is the faithfulness of God at work.
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
I am the light of the world, says the Lord; whoever follows me will have the light of life.
Matthew 5:13-16
13 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 underfoot. 14 You are the light of the world. A city set on a mountain cannot be hidden. 15 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. 16 Just so, your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father.”
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