|
Reflections
for Sunday, February 9, 2014
This Sunday we could start with the Gospel. We are the salt of the earth.
Yet we recognize that we can lose our saltiness. We can lose the energy of
following Christ in our daily lives. We are the light of the world and yet
we can hide that light and be only darkness to others.
We know that Jesus does not come to discourage us but to encourage us.
Jesus shows us the challenge and invites us to learn how to be salt and
light for others who are seeking meaning in their lives. Part of our love
for others is to walk on the path of the Lord as witnesses because we have
found the Lord.
The first reading today, from the Prophet Isaiah, also shows us the way to
be salt and light: by serving the poor. If we serve the poor, then our
light shall break forth like the dawn, and our wound shall quickly be
healed. Far too often our focus is on ourselves rather than on loving
others. We get caught up in our own pains and wounds and forget that
serving others is the best healing of all that ails us. Serving others
brings salt and light into our lives.
Saint Paul tells us in the First Letter to the Corinthians that he himself
had resolved to know nothing while he was with other Christians except
Jesus Christ, and him crucified. This is a clear reference to Paul
embracing the cross by suffering for others. That is how we know Jesus
crucified. We must ourselves take up the cross and follow Him. If we can
do this, the our faith will rest not on human wisdom but on the power of
God.
My sisters and brothers, we are in the life only once. God has created us
and God will call us to Himself. God has sent His only Son, Jesus, to show
us the way to the Father. We should not be frightened that this way is
difficult at times and demands sacrifice on our part. We want to become
fully alive in the Lord. So let us serve the poor, watch out for those who
need our help, love all those are in need—and so walk with Jesus to the
Father.
We want to be the salt of Christ. We want to be the light of Christ. We
want to draw others to Christ so that they can know His love and His
salvation. If we are on the path with Jesus Christ, then we know Him
ourselves and can delight in His love. Because we know His love, we can
share it with one another. Praise to Jesus now and forever. Amen.
Readings of the day:
First Reading: Isaiah 58.6-10++
Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 2.1-5
Gospel: Matthew 5.13-16
| |
Reflections are available for the following Sundays:
|
