Our readings this Sunday lead us to focus on what Jesus considers to be the qualities of his disciples. In following his teaching, we can become silent witnesses to his kingdom in our world.
Isaiah, in the First Reading, tells the returned exiles that their prayer and observance are not just for themselves, but for action –and for sharing with their neighbour. They, in turn, will be healed by the way they live.
The Psalm is a prayer of praise for the ‘good man’, who acts with generosity, mercy and justice. The good person reveals something of God to others. Their good deeds will be rewarded with glory.
St Paul, in the Second Reading, tells how he went about humbly to preach a crucified Christ, so that his hearers should build their faith not on human philosophy, but on the power of God.
In the Gospel Jesus tells us that we are to be salt of the earth and light of the world. This is how we give the Father praise.
Let us strive this week to remember that in the darkness of today’s world, we are called to be Christ-like in everything that we do, and in the way we live.