The Beatitudes are the heart of the Sermon on the Mount, a teaching that continues in today’s Gospel. The readings help us break open this central message of Jesus and show how it is meant to be lived.
The First Reading comes once again from the prophet Isaiah – specifically chapter 58, part of what scholars call Deutero-Isaiah. These passages were written to encourage the people of Israel as they returned home from their long Babylonian captivity.
Thus says the Lord: “Share your bread with the hungry; shelter the oppressed and the homeless; clothe the naked when you see them, and do not turn your back on your own. Then your light shall break forth like the dawn, and your wound shall quickly be healed.”
After nearly sixty years of oppression, one might expect nothing but joy and celebration as the exiles returned home. Yet Deutero-Isaiah recognized the danger of spiritual complacency. He reminds the people that true faithfulness to the Lord is revealed in compassion – especially care for the poor and vulnerable. It is through these concrete acts of mercy that God’s light shines forth.
The Second Reading continues from Saint Paul’s First Letter to the Corinthians. Paul recalls how he came to them not with polished rhetoric or philosophical arguments, but in weakness and humility. His preaching relied not on human wisdom, but on the power of God at work through the Holy Spirit. Faith, Paul insists, is grounded in God’s action, not in clever words.
This same connection between compassion and God’s power drives today’s Gospel. Jesus tells his disciples: “You are the salt of the earth… You are the light of the world.”
Matthew applies these striking images directly to those who hear the Sermon on the Mount. Disciples are meant to bring flavor, preservation, and light to the world – not for their own glory, but so that others may see their good works and glorify God. Let your light shine, Jesus says – but always in a way that points beyond yourself to the Father.
5th Sunday in Ordinary Time Entrance Antiphon O Come, Let Us Worship God (Steve Angrisano, Sarah Hart and Curtis Stephan)
Let Us All Rejoice #48
Psalm 95, the text of this Entrance Antiphon, is a powerful call to worship God and serve him in humble obedience, lest we go astray.
Entrance Chant Come, Now Is the Time to Worship (Brian Doerksen)
Spirit & Song #284; Never Too Young #81; Breaking Bread #570
This praise song favorite is a good complement to today’s Entrance Antiphon.
Responsorial Psalm The Just Man Is a Light (Steve Angrisano)
Spirit & Psalm 2026: p. 82
Steve Angrisano offers a strikingly creative approach to his melody and chords in this verbatim setting of Psalm 112.
Gospel Acclamation Alleluia: Mass of Restoration (Josh Blakesley and Leland G. “Grae” McCullough, IV)
Spirit & Psalm 2026: p. 84
In the Gospel, Jesus says, “You are the light of the world.” This acclamation text from John 8 reminds us that it is the Lord’s light that shines through us.
Presentation and Preparation of the Gifts A Light to the Nations (Ben Walther)
This song is Ben Walther’s upbeat reflection on today’s Gospel. You will find the sheet music in the link above.
5th Sunday in Ordinary Time Communion Antiphon Blessed Are Those Who Mourn [Option 2] (Steve Angrisano, Sarah Hart and Curtis Stephan)
Let Us All Rejoice #50
Antiphon Option 2 is a direct quote from the Beatitudes that anchor the teaching from the Gospel of this day.
Communion Chant City of God (Dan Schutte)
Never Too Young #9; Breaking Bread #382
Once again, we turn to core repertoire for its familiarity across the generations who are gathered together at liturgy. “City of God” sings of the divine Light who calls us to be light to all people.
Sending Forth We Are the Light (Jesse Manibusan)
Spirit & Song #236; Never Too Young #287
We go forth from this Eucharist to shine Christ’s light on a world that often seems lost in darkness.
Liturgy Blog is a weekly liturgy planning resource for musicians, liturgists, homilists, youth groups, faith sharing groups, and all who look to the liturgical readings for inspiration and nourishment. Join Ken Canedo as he breaks open the Scripture and suggests tracks from the Spirit & Song contemporary repertoire.
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