Saturday, February 8, 2014

Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time "Let Your Faith Shine"

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 lamp stand, 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."
Introductory Prayer: Lord, you are the true light that comes into our world and banishes the darkness of our sins. As I humbly kneel before you today, I trust in your mercy and love. Without you I can do nothing. I want this time I spend with you to be the expression of my love for you. I wish only to please you in all things.

Petition: Lord, release me from the shadows of my imperfections!

1. Make a Difference! Think of the difference a pinch of salt can make to a meal – how much better it makes the flavor. We are the salt! Think of the difference we can make in the lives of others when we give of ourselves. So many lives can change for the better as a result of our charity. “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35). Christ invites us to come out of ourselves and make a difference wherever we are – in the lives of those around us at home, at school, or in the work place.

2. Let Your Light Shine! We should not expect others to take the initiative to do what is right, hiding the light that God has entrusted to us to give to others. We are the light of the world! We need to use the gifts, the multiple talents that God has given us now. A bereaved husband was choosing what his wife would wear in the open casket before she was laid to rest. He found a beautiful dress that was still in its wrapping: It was one he had given her some years before. He asked those who were preparing her body to dress her in that dress. How he would have loved to see her dressed in it when she was alive. Do not wait for later! Let your light shine now! Drive out the darkness!

3. Your Light Must Shine! Part of our Christian vocation, received in baptism, is to have an edifying effect on those around us. Our light must shine before others! By charity and example, our lives are to glorify our heavenly Father, not our personal vanity. Our good example is a “must”; it is a requirement for our salvation. Christ invites us to conquer the darkness of sin with the light of his grace within us. This light will then help us show the way to others.

Conversation with Christ: Lord, you have given me a mission to banish the darkness of sin in my own life. With your grace, help me to reach out and help others to be children of light.

Resolution: Today I will overcome any fear of rebelling against the silence of the hushed majority, and I will speak well of others.


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