Posted by The WORD in other words (2014) by Brother Romualdo Abulad SVD – Christ the King Seminary, Quezon City
5th Sunday in Ordinary Time – A
Justice, according to Greek philosopher Plato, is minding one’s business. The Chinese sage, Confucius, calls it the rectification of names.
Each person or role should act according to their title. The prince is to act as a prince. The minister should behave as a minister. The father must fulfill the role of a Father, and the son should act as a son. A teacher who does not teach does not deserve the name “teacher”. A student who does not study does not deserve to be called a student.
If salt is to be salt, it should be salty. A lamp is not truly a lamp unless it is lighted. Its light should spread through space and brighten the environment.
What is a human being if he or she is not humane? If ones does not treat another as one wants oneself to be treated? What is so human about a person who steals from the poor to enrich themselves? This person lives by corrupt practices, using the guise and clout of a leadership position in government.
What does it profit a person to become rich and famous? Does this success come at the expense of others?
The prophet Isaiah enjoins us to share our bread with the hungry. He asks us to welcome the homeless into our home. We should clothe the naked in our midst and not turn our back on our relatives.
This is what Pope Francis calls mercy. Mercy is another word for that light that shines in the darkness. It renews the face of the earth. It makes everything new.
Our model here is Jesus, the light of the world. His words and deeds bring solace to all. They heal the broken hearts. To follow this light is to radically change everything that we touch and make all things good! This is not at all light and be light ourselves.
