Be a Light for Others

    

Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time

05 February 2023

 

First Reading: Is 58:7-10

Responsorial Psalm: Ps 112:4-5, 6-7, 8-9

Second Reading: 1 Cor 2:1-5

Gospel: Mt 5:13-16

 

Reflection

By: Benj Santiago

 

"You are the light of the world...Your light must shine before others, that they may see Your good deed and glorify Your heavenly Father."

I am sure you will agree that the world today continues to be in darkness. Many are oppressed and living in poor condition. Millions are below the poverty line, uneducated, and are hungry. Even those who are employed and have good income still struggle financially.

We are all challenged to be disciples of Christ. We are called to be the light of the world. And the task is clear: "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."

In the past, even with a six figure income, we struggled financially. We were buried in 7-figure credit card debts. We were faced with millions of responsibilities to our children who were in school. Then a disaster happened, we both got retired from our high paying jobs, one after another. But we continued to hang on to Your promise. Despite the daily struggles, we hang on. We continue to give tithes. Eventually, as He promised "then light shall rise for you in the darkness."

We thank the Lord for liberating us from debts and leading us to a business opportunity that earns for us even more than what we need and desire. As our way of glorifying our heavenly Father, we as a couple strive hard to teach people how to get out of the oppression of debts, to be liberated from poverty, and be able to provide income streams to those who are financially struggling.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, we thank You for great blessings You have bestowed upon us to serve as a beacon of light to people who are in financial darkness. We pray that all of us will continue to share our blessings to others, help the oppressed and feed the hungry. We bring back to You Lord all the glory and honor for the opportunity to be the light for others. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.