The Lectionary and Scripture Interpretation for Ordinary Time
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Isaiah 58:7-10
Isaiah I: shape up or else; exile is coming 1-39
Isaiah II: Book of Consolation, comfort in captivity 40-55 Deutero Isaiah (suffering servant songs)
Isaiah III: going home 56-66 Trito Isaiah; struggle for a new temple and new leadership
The gospel reading this week will tell us to be salt for the world and to let our light shine before others. Because this is ordinary time, we interpret the Old Testament reading through the lens of the gospel. We could interpret this passage, then, as instructions on how to be salt and light.
This passage lays out the kind of behavior required if one is to enjoy the blessings promised through the covenant. Notice in this passage that it is all about ethics: care for the marginalized and those unable to advocate for themselves. There is nothing in the passage about religious observances or practices. Later in Matthew’s gospel, he, too, will explicitly link communion with God and fulfillment of social responsibility (see Matthew 25:35-36).
Verse 7 talks about basic human needs: food, shelter, clothing. Isaiah verse does not envision writing a check to some charity to help those in need (although it does not rule out either!). Rather, it demands personal involvement. It says to “share” your bread – break in two. It’s not about giving from surplus but rather sharing the basics.
Verse 7 describes basic charity. Verse 9 treats removing the structures that create the need for charity in the first place – what we term “social justice.”
Verses 8 and 10 talk about the many things that result when we engage in charity and social justice.
This passage is extremely practical but is also pure poetry. Note the structure that we often find in Hebrew poetry:
Verse 7 charity
verse 8 results
Verse 9 expanding charity to social justice
verse 10 results
Matthew 5:13-16
During Ordinary Time, I’ll cover the Old Testament and then the Gospel readings as a pair so that we can better see the connections.
Last week we began chapter 5 and we cover the entire chapter, verse by verse, for four Sundays. This chapter follows up the call of the disciples in chapter 4 with instructions on how to be disciples.
Verse 16 reminds us of the connection between faith and deeds: both are essential.
In a few short weeks we will enter the season of Lent with Ash Wednesday. As they always do, the lectionary readings begin to hint at the coming season. On Ash Wednesday, Jesus will say “Take care not to perform righteous deeds in order that people may see them.” Today’s reading reminds us that we must always keep in mind the motivation: our good deeds bring glory to the Father, not to us.
It’s interesting to note that verses 13 and 14 both start with “you are.” We are already salt and light! We don’t have to strive to become these things. Each of us in our own unique ways are salting the world and lighting it up. How are you using your unique gifts and talents to be salt and light?
Salt and light were two essential elements in the ancient world where refrigeration and electricity did not exist. What are some modern parallels to salt and light?
Contextually, this passage follows the beatitudes. What do the beatitudes tell us about being salt and light in the world?
Old Testament / Gospel Connection
How are the Old Testament and Gospel readings connected? Each week I will offer my views on this but I encourage you to first read the passages and look for your own connections!
Charity, social justice, being salt and light: all of these themes echo through both readings.
1 Corinthians 2:1-5
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For this bit of Ordinary Time, we’ll be in Part I of this letter: Divisions in the Community 1:10-4:21. This particular passage is “The Power of Paul’s Preaching” 2:1-5
We can all think of flamboyant preachers who gather a following (or, if not, I’ll offer Joel Osteen as a prime example). We don’t usually think of them highly. Most times these preachers offer a watered down and sanitized gospel – a gospel that promises much and demands little. Paul says he was determined not to live that way – not to attract followers because of his style. He wanted followers who came because of attraction to Christ.
In verse 1, Paul says he “did not come with sublimity of words or of wisdom..” Paul was known for his gift of writing but it was apparently well known that he did not speak as well as he wrote. In that culture, speaking skills extended far beyond just the words. It was expected that one’s gestures and intonation were part of the package – the audience expected to be entertained while being informed.
Paul said he resolved to know nothing except the crucified Christ. The Greek word translated “know” in verse 2 would be better translated “pay attention to.” Paul didn’t pay attention to crafting an entertaining message or the approval of his audience or being accepted and acclaimed. He resolved to pay attention only to Christ. What might your life look like if you resolved to pay attention only to Christ?
Questions to ponder
How are you using your unique gifts and talents to be salt and light?
What are some modern parallels to salt and light?
What do the beatitudes tell us about being salt and light in the world?
What might your life look like if you resolved to pay attention only to Christ?
Scripture texts in this work are taken from the New American Bible, revised edition © 2010, 1991, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Washington, D.C. and are used by permission of the copyright owner. All Rights Reserved. No part of the New American Bible may be reproduced in any form without permission in writing from the copyright owner.
© 2023 Kelly Sollinger