The Gospel according to Matthew (5:13-16)
Jesus said to his disciples:
“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.”
Reflection:
Yesterday, Linda and I and our diaconate formation class celebrated our seventh anniversary of ordination. It’s been such an amazing blessing to us to be able to serve our family of St Rita these last seven years. It’s become so ingrained in our lives that I honestly can’t imagine not being in this service to my parish family.
Our service as a deacon couple is much like that line that I love from today’s Gospel: “You are the light of the world. A city set on a mountain cannot be hidden.” I really was reminded of that this past Sunday at Mass, as Linda and I had been away for a couple of weeks on a pilgrimage to Ireland, and our parish family were so nice to welcome us back, and tell us how they appreciated the service we provide.
All of us, ordained or not, have that same calling to live a life that shines forth like a city on a hill. I suppose we can also consider the possibility that others in our lives do watch us, especially if they know we are people of faith, seeing how the witness of our lives stands up to the ebbs and flows of life. It’s not like we have to be perfect, though. That would be a standard that is just too high. We just have to show that our faith in Jesus is the core of all we do, and that we know in the “ebbs” of life, our loving Lord and Creator sustains us. That’s the best witness we can ever give!
Our light should show that we know that we “are” the light in the darkness of the world (much as the sign outside our parish from last Advent demonstrates). Jesus calls us to “Be the Light”!
Action for the Day:
As you go through your day today, keep in mind that you are blessed that you walk in the light, and pray (often!) that your witness truly show that light, and that you be able to give witness if asked and so help someone else toward the light as well.
Link to the DEACON5 website: https://deacon5.com/
If you would like to hear this reflection, click the link below!
