Our Sabbath Scripture Stories – 5th Sunday in Ordinary Time – Cycle A

Read or listen to this Sunday’s Mass readings here.

  • Isaiah 58:7-10
  • 1 Corinthians 2:1-5
  • Matthew 5:13-16

Mom called all the family into the family room this morning before Mass.

“Don’t we always do the Scripture reading in the living room?” asked Vincent. 

“That’s right, Vincent,” Mom answered, “but the Gospel reading for today just cries out for a song!”

“Huh?” all the kids said.  “Are we going to sing the Gospel reading?”

“Absolutely!” Mom smiled.  And with that, she sat down by the piano. 

“What we’re going to do this morning is hear the Gospel reading,” Dad explained, “and while we’re listening, I want you to think about what song might apply”

“This should be fun!” Mary Clare said.

Dad opened his Bible to the Gospel reading of Matthew 5:13-16 where Jesus says, “You are the salt of the earth.  But if salt loses its taste, with what can it be seasoned?  It is no longer good for anything but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.  You are the light of the world.  A city set on a mountain  cannot be hidden.  Nor do they light a lamp and then put it under a bushel basket;  it is set on a lampstand, where it gives light to all in the house.  Just so, your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father.”

Dad was finished.  “Okay, Family,” he said.  “What song do we know that comes directly from this Gospel reading?”

Without hesitation, the entire Pauline family exclaimed out loud, “I know!  I know!  It’s ‘This Little Light of Mine’!”

“Exactly!” Dad said.  Then, turning to Mrs. Pauline, he said, “Alright, Therese!  Hit it!”

Mrs. Pauline started playing and, immediately, joyous chords were playing and the children were singing.  And soon, other families who were reading this Scripture lesson for the fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time joined in … families who look just like the (add your family name) family!  Everyone was singing!

This little light of mine,
I’m going to let it shine!
This little light of mine,
I’m going to let it shine!
This little light of mine,
I’m going to let it shine!
Let it shine! Let it shine! Let it shine!

Put it under a basket? No!
I’m going to let it shine!
Put it under a basket? No!
I’m going to let it shine!
Put it under a basket? No!
I’m going to let it shine!
Let it shine! Let it shine! Let it shine!

After the song was over, Mr. Pauline said, “Jesus has given us all special gifts and talents.   We should never deny these gifts, but use them to build up the kingdom of God!”

And the piano and singing started up again!

Would you prefer a print a copy of this story?

Cycle A, 5 OT, SSSDownload

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