V Sunday Ordinary Time – A Readings: Isaiah 58: 7-10 / 1 Cor 2: 1-5 / Mt 5: 13-16

V Sunday Ordinary Time – A 

Readings: Isaiah 58: 7-10 / 1 Cor 2: 1-5 / Mt 5: 13-16

Fr. Charles Johnson, O.P.

           He was not the dashing and athletic Hollywood star; as a matter of fact, he often came across as a bit disheveled.  However, he was a masterful actor.  In the movie, Doubt, Philip Seymour Hoffman’s character exuded a sense of self-confidence that threw off even his most circumspect and skeptical critics.   

          His tragic and untimely death is truly a sad event for our time.  As we learn the details surrounding his death and what led up to it, we might shake our heads in disbelief thinking, “How could it happen? What a loss, he had such incredible talent and creativity.”  Like a light, he burned brightly before all who watched him perform.  I recall the image of him standing before the crowds and cameras at the Oscars ceremony. 

       However, once the bright lights of fame are extinguished, what remains?  Who remains?   Fame has an enticing and seductive glow and shine, but it is not very helpful as a guide through the difficulties of life.  In other words, don’t expect it to brighten your path during times of inner struggle or doubt. True illumination has as more to do with the source of the light than it does with its shine. The society we live in seems to worship fame and fortune, two things that have very brief life-spans.  However, as is often revealed, what lies underneath is often another story. 

          Father Henri Nouwen, speaking from his own personal struggles and outreach to others, writes, “I have often been shocked to discover that men and women with obvious talents and with many rewards for their accomplishments have so many doubts about their own goodness.”  He continues, “Instead of experiencing their outward successes as a sign of their inner beauty, they live them as a cover-up for their sense of personal worthlessness.” Perhaps doubts about one’s “own goodness” have as much to do with doubts about God’s loving-kindness, or doubts about the love and concern one longs to receive from others. 

          Shakespeare might have said, “All the world’s a stage.”  However, life is a gift God has given us – to be lived authentically, not performed.  Our mission is to convince others that their lives are a blessing as well.   Jesus calls us to be “the light of the world.”  However, what he hopes will burn most brightly is our love and concern for others. Christ calls us to shine brightly so that others will not be left in darkness of despair and suffering.  So that in knowing us, they might come to know the source of our joy and our light and discover Him shining in them as well.