FIFTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
February 5, 2023

The church is still a familiar landmark where the weary traveler comes. The Church is still the one house which stands where it has always stood. The many who come and knock at her door are seeking a little break to hold themselves over.
My brothers and sisters, this is precisely the calling of the Christian life.
Of how we are to respond to those who come and knock.
Jesus gives us 2 of the most useful metaphors we have to guide our lives as Christians. Being the salt of the earth means that without us the world would be flat; it would lack flavor. We are also called to be light to the world, by our response to our brothers and sisters. It is the light of our lives that enables people to know God.

Oh yes, the Church stands where it always stood and there is a deep longing for those who come.
That I may find comfort in facing illness, that I will find equality, a place at the table, a welcome, longing for comfort and support.

We are called to make the first reading a reality: remove oppression, false accusations, share the bread with the hungry. Faith calls us to bring new light into the darkness.

The Church is still the one familiar landmark – the one house which stands where it always stood.