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Homily of the Day

In the gospel, Jesus speaks about salt and light. How does this Word apply to us? First we must remember one thing – no one exists for himself alone and so everything here on earth exists for a purpose. We Christians exist for a purpose, which is to be salt and light.
Salt does not exist for itself but to give flavor to food. Without salt, we don’t enjoy the taste of our food. It dissolves in the food or soup it is mixed with, and walla! the food tastes great! Therefore salt is very important. Same as light. Without light, we cannot move around because we cannot see anything. So light has a very important mission – to illuminate the world. And why are these elements so important in our world today? Because many people live in darkness, they do not know what they are living for. When something goes wrong in their lives, they don’t understand what is happening. Someone must enlighten them. Others’ lives are tasteless, meaning they are so bored with the same daily routine, to see the same wife and children every day and so they go about their daily lives like zombies. They need spice in their lives and this is where salt comes in.

Jesus did not come for himself but in order to save man from his sins, his darkness, his boredom, etc. So he offered his life for our salvation and now we live in a world redeemed by his blood. With Jesus guiding us, we can be salt and light to others. In front of trials and sufferings, we do not despair but continue to trust in God. In fact we become stronger in our faith. We are also called to be holy in a world where the mere mention of being pure, chaste, kind, generous, self-giving and austere is often ridiculed. We need to be lights shining brightly for all men to see our good works.


28 posted on 06/10/2014 5:12:29 PM PDT by Salvation ("With God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26)
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One Bread, One Body

One Bread, One Body

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All Issues > Volume 30, Issue 4

<< Tuesday, June 10, 2014 >>
 
1 Kings 17:7-16
View Readings
Psalm 4:2-5, 7-8 Matthew 5:13-16
Similar Reflections
 

LIGHT ON YOUR FEET

 
"Men do not light a lamp and then put it under a bushel basket. They set it on a stand where it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, your light must shine before men." —Matthew 5:15-16
 

At the time Jesus spoke the words quoted above, light came from fire. Electricity and light bulbs did not exist. People had to "light a lamp" in order for light to be produced. Darkness could not be overcome unless something was set on fire (see Mt 4:16).

Jesus came to "light a fire on the earth" (Lk 12:49). When Jesus ministered to people, their hearts burned inside them (Lk 24:32) and they passed on that light to others (Lk 24:33ff). The Church teaches us this truth so vividly at the beautiful Easter Vigil liturgy. The church building is in darkness, and the light of Jesus is passed from one person's candle to another. Soon, the entire church is illuminated by the strength of everyone's candlelight.

A bishop once told his priests: "Do not be so afraid of being burned out that you never catch on fire." Jesus wills to make us like the burning bush: totally ablaze with light, yet not consumed (see Ex 3:2). The sight of our burning, yet not burned out, lives will attract others, bring them into God's presence, and result in vocations and liberation (see Ex 3:3ff). God wills that even nations and world leaders should walk by our light (Is 60:3).

Jesus provides the light. All we must do is be willing to be set on fire. Be a "lamp, set aflame and burning bright" (Jn 5:35).

 
Prayer: Come, Holy Spirit! Enkindle in us the fire of Your love.
Promise: "O Lord, let the light of Your countenance shine upon us! You put gladness into my heart, more than when grain and wine abound." —Ps 4:7-8
Praise: Ben was abused and beaten as a child. Now, Ben praises Jesus for giving him the strength to be a loving, gentle father to his own children.

29 posted on 06/10/2014 5:15:42 PM PDT by Salvation ("With God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26)
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