5 February 2023 5th Sunday in Ordinary Time

If you remove the yoke from among you,
the pointing of the finger, the speaking of evil,
if you offer your food to the hungry
and satisfy the needs of the afflicted,
then your light shall rise in the darkness
and your gloom be like the noonday.
From  Isaiah 58:7-10, NRSV

Today we hear words from the prophet Isaiah written after the Jews had returned from their exile in Babylon. Even though they had returned from bondage to their own homeland, things were far from well with them. Isaiah senses that they have forgotten what they needed to do to gain the Lord’s favour. No matter how well they followed the edicts of the Law, they needed to be reminded that it was more important to see and serve God in others – and especially in the poor and needy. He offers them the chance to reflect on how they were treating each other and to choose ways that would not only help the needy but would also bring them joy and life.

• • Why do you think the people had forgotten what was joyous and life-giving?
  • Do our own religious practices ever get in the way of seeing and serving God in others?

Reflect on what brings joy and light to your life and that which does not and make one small change that might allow more light into your life.