Daily Readings - Sun Feb 05 2023

⁶Is not this, instead, the kind of fast that I have chosen? Release the constraints of impiety; relieve the burdens that oppress; freely forgive those who are broken; and break apart every burden⁷Break your bread with the hungry, and lead the destitute and the homeless into your house. When you see someone naked, cover him, and do not despise your own flesh⁸Then your light will break forth like the morning, and your health will improve quickly, and your justice will go before your face, and the glory of the Lord will gather you up⁹Then you will call, and the Lord will heed; you will cry out, and he will say, "Here I am," if you take away the chains from your midst, and cease to point your finger and to speak what is not beneficial¹⁰When you pour out your life for the hungry, and you satisfy the afflicted soul, then your light will rise up in darkness, and your darkness will be like the midday

1 Corinthians

Chapter 2

¹And so, brothers, when I came to you, announcing to you the testimony of Christ, I did not bring exalted words or lofty wisdom²For I did not judge myself to know anything among you, except Jesus Christ, and him crucified³And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and with much trembling⁴And my words and preaching were not the persuasive words of human wisdom, but were a manifestation of the Spirit and of virtue⁵so that your faith would not be based on the wisdom of men, but on the virtue of God

Matthew

Chapter 5

¹³You are the salt of the earth. But if salt loses its saltiness, with what will it be salted? It is no longer useful at all, except to be cast out and trampled under by men¹⁴You are the light of the world. A city set on a mountain cannot be hidden¹⁵And they do not light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, so that it may shine to all who are in the house¹⁶So then, let your light shine in the sight of men, so that they may see your good works, and may glorify your Father, who is in heaven

Sermon

In today’s readings, we are invited to reflect on the nature of true faith and how it should manifest in our lives. The first reading from Isaiah calls us to a fast that is not just about abstaining from food, but about living out our faith in tangible ways—freeing the oppressed, feeding the hungry, and clothing the naked. Isaiah emphasizes that when we live in such a way, our light will shine forth, and God’s presence will be evident in our lives. This passage reminds us that our faith is not just about personal piety but about transforming the world around us. The second reading from 1 Corinthians complements this message. Paul humbly acknowledges that his preaching was not based on human wisdom or eloquence but on the power of the Spirit. He emphasizes that true faith is rooted in the cross of Christ, and it is the power of God, not human effort, that transforms hearts. This reading challenges us to trust in God’s grace rather than our own abilities and to seek a faith that is simple, sincere, and Spirit-led. In the Gospel, Jesus calls us to be salt and light in the world. He warns us that if we lose our saltiness or hide our light, we fail to fulfill our purpose. Jesus encourages us to let our good works shine so that others may see God’s glory through us. This passage reminds us that our faith is not meant to be hidden or passive; it should actively impact the world, bringing flavor and light to those around us. As we reflect on these readings, let us ask ourselves: How am I living out my faith in a way that transforms the world? Am I trusting in God’s power, or am I relying on my own strength? Am I shining my light for others to see? May we be inspired to live with humility, trust in God’s grace, and let our faith be a source of hope and light in a world that so desperately needs it.