Sunday of the 5th Week in Ordinary Time
See also:
- Gospel Commentary, by Msgr. João Scognamiglio Clá Dias, EP
Mass Readings
First Reading – Is 58:7-10
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. 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. 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; 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.
Responsorial Psalm – Ps 112:4-5, 6-7, 8-9 (R. 4a)
R. The just man is a light in darkness to the upright.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Light shines through the darkness for the upright;
he is gracious and merciful and just.
Well for the man who is gracious and lends,
who conducts his affairs with justice. R.
He shall never be moved;
the just one shall be in everlasting remembrance.
An evil report he shall not fear;
his heart is firm, trusting in the LORD. R.
His heart is steadfast; he shall not fear.
Lavishly he gives to the poor;
His justice shall endure forever;
his horn shall be exalted in glory. R.
Second Reading – 1 Cor 2:1-5
When I came to you, brothers and sisters, proclaiming the mystery of God, I did not come with sublimity of words or of wisdom. For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ, and Him crucified. I came to you in weakness and fear and much trembling, and my message and my proclamation were not with persuasive words of wisdom, but with a demonstration of Spirit and power, so that your faith might rest not on human wisdom but on the power of God.
Gospel – Mt 5:13-16
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. You are the light of the world. A city set on a mountain cannot be hidden. 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. Just so, your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father.”
Featured Saints
Sunday has precedence over the Optional memorials: St. Jerome Emiliani, priest (†1537). As a soldier of dissolute life, he was taken prisoner during combat. After being freed by the intervention of the Blessed Virgin Mary, he underwent a complete conversion, and dedicated the rest of his life to the care of orphans, the poor and the sick. For this end he founded the Congregation of Regular Clerics of Somasca known as the Somaschi Fathers. St. Josephine Bakhita, virgin (†1947). Born in Sudan, she was kidnapped as a child by Arab slave traders, and sold repeated repeatedly until finally reaching Italy, where she was declared free. During a stay with the Canossian Sisters, she learned of God, was baptized, and entered the community as a religious, where she remained for the next 50 years until her death, with a reputation for sanctity. She was Canonized in 2000.
St. Juventius, Bishop (†397). He was appointed Bishop of Pavia by St. Ambrose. He participated in the Councils of Aquileia and Milan.
St. Honoratus, bishop (†c. 570). In the imminence of a Lombard invasion, he endeavoured to save the populace, procuring refuge for them in Genoa.
St. Paul of Verdun, Bishop (†c. 647). Having embraced monastic life, he was elected Bishop of Verdun, France, where he promoted the dignity of divine worship and the regular observance of the canons.
St. Stephen, abbot (†1124). Founder of the Order of Grandmont, near Limoges, France. He attracted many disciples with his austere life.
St. Cointha, martyr (†249). During the persecution of Emperor Decius, in Alexandria, Egypt, she refused to offer incense to the gods and was tied to a horse, dragged through the streets and finally stoned to death.
Blessed Peter Igneus, bishop (†1089). Benedictine monk from Vallombrosa, Italy, disciple of St. John Gualbert; he was created Cardinal by St. Gregory VII and appointed Bishop of Albano, Italy.
Blessed Josephina Gabriella Bonino, virgin (†1906). Foundress of the Congregation of the Holy Family in Savigliano, Italy, dedicated to the care of orphans and the sick.
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