“He told them, “Let us go on to the nearby villages that I may preach there also. For this purpose have I come.” (Mark 1:38)

The major theme for this Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time challenges us to avoid the pessimistic and cynical view on our works as the prophet Job did, perceiving it as a chain of pain and sufferings, but to accept it with hope and optimism, embracing it as a precious gift from God, using it to do good for others and spending our time, treasure, talents and lives for others in imitation of Jesus Christ. The readings also invite us to learn a lesson in work ethics from Prophet Job, St. Paul and Jesus Christ.

The Church defines human works as activities that redeem us to salvation. God works in His creation and continues to maintain it. Christ works for our salvation as He has accomplished it in His dying and rising. Therefore, God wants us to work.

Even the most banal workplace can be transformed if we understand our work as part of the process of redemption, of bringing a sacredness to even the most secular of environments, as an opportunity to evangelize or make the good news known, not by word of mouth but by the more compelling witness of an authentically Christian lifestyle.

God does not want us holding a relationship of Transaction but Transformation. Therefore, Dynamic Christian disciples are those who (1) BELIEVE, (2) GROW, (3) SERVE, (4) LOVE and (5) LEAD others to Jesus. Today’s topic invites us to reflect on our vocation of dynamic Christian discipleship to use God’s given talents to fulfill God’s will and obtain our salvation.

How can we assist Jesus in our works?

Wishing everyone a blessed week in the Lord.