5th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A
Sunday, February 5, 2023
Mass Readings for the 5th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A
- First Reading – Isaiah 58:7-10: “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.”
- Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 112: “The just man is a light in darkness to the upright.”
- Second Reading – 1 Corinthians 2:1-5: “For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ, and him crucified.”
- Gospel – Matthew 5:13-16: “Just so, your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father.”
Themes for the 5th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A
The readings for the 5th Sunday in Ordinary Time focus on evangelization and service. The first reading tells us that when we care for those in need, the darkness in our lives will turn to light. The second reading helps us remember that we do not rely on our own wisdom when we speak and act, but on God. And the gospel tells us that we should boldly spread the Light of Christ throughout the world.
- Evangelization
- Works of mercy
- Justice
See the Homilies and Reflections section and the More Thoughts section for further expansion on these readings and some reflection questions for the 5th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A.
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Resources for the 5th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A
All Together Now – A Lesson Plan on Racism
Racism can be a difficult topic to discuss with teens. It is popular to think that we are “color blind”. But the fact is that the playing field is not level and that minorities do not have the same advantages as the majority. This lesson plan on racism introduces the topic of institutional racism.
The Corporal Works of Mercy
The gospels show us that Jesus reached out to those in need. His life is a model for how we should interact with others. One way to do this is through the Corporal Works of Mercy. Consider looking at these and doing one with the Catholic youth in your life
Homilies and Reflections for the 5th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A
You Are the Light of the World
Jeff Cavins explains that God brings light and restores the world. And he uses his Church to do this. Jesus is emphasizing that we can’t hide what we have been given. The world must see what God has done for us.
Living as Salt of the Earth
Being salt of the earth requires little sacrifices when times are tough. Father Mark-Mary gives an examples: When you’re having a tough day and you make yourself a cup of coffee, and when a friend walks in you give him that cup of coffee.
The Responsibility of Christians During Troubled Times
From Bishop Robert Barron. At the beginning of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus compares his disciples to salt, light, and a city set on a hill. All these things exist not for themselves, but for something else.
Light Breaking Forth
From Scott Hahn. Jesus came among us as light to scatter the darkness of a fallen world. As His disciples, we too are called to be “the light of the world,”
Love as a Panacea
Also from Bishop Barron. This final section of Isaiah was written, the scholars tell us, after the return of the captives from Babylon, when Israel was trying once again to find its way. And so we find some very practical spiritual advice about engaging in concrete acts of love.
Salt of the Earth
In this video from Life Teen, Joel Stepanek helps us understand the readings for the 5th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A. What defines a fan of a team? What does it mean to be a Christian?
More Thoughts for the 5th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A
The reading from Isaiah tells us that being devoted to God means taking care of those who need our help the most. God wants us to care from those on the margins. The list of actions which we should take are closely related to the Corporal Works of Mercy. Worshiping God also means using the gifts we have been giving to work for a just society.
We must do more than just pray for people. We are called to act. When we do this, then the darkness of society will be overcome with light. Malicious speech, hate, and condemnation will be less visible when our acts of love shine.
The gospel also uses the image of light. The good things we do glorify God, for the Light of Christ is shining through us. This is how the Kingdom of God grows.
Jesus also tells us that salt loses its flavor, then it is no longer really salt. Similarly, if we are all talk, but we don’t understand the message of Christ crucified then we are missing a crucial characteristic of Christians. When people see our good works, then people can encounter Christ through us.
Reflection Questions for the 5th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A
- When I see darkness in the world, do I try to bring light?
- How have I been a light recently?
- Where does my light need to shine this week?
Quotes and Social Media Graphics for the 5th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A
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.
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