Tuesday of the Tenth Week of Ordinary Time, Year A. June 13, 2017
1st Reading: 2nd Corinthians 1:18-22.
Brothers and sisters: As God is faithful, our word to you is not “yes” and “no.” For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was proclaimed to you by us, Silvanus and Timothy and me, was not “yes” and “no,” but “yes” has been in him. For however many are the promises of God, their Yes is in him; therefore, the Amen from us also goes through him to God for glory. But the one who gives us security with you in Christ and who anointed us is God; he has also put his seal upon us and given the Spirit in our hearts as a first installment. The word of the Lord.
Resp Psalm:119:129, 130, 131, 132, 133, 135
R/. Lord, let your face shine on me.
Holy Gospel: 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.” The gospel of the Lord.
TUESDAY REFLECTIONS:
Let’s start with this image. Imagine you cook some wonderful vegetable soup with all the best ingredients. It slowly simmers for hours and the broth looks very tasty. But the one thing you are out of is salt and other spices. So, you just let the soup simmer and hope for the best. Once it’s fully cooked you try a taste and, to your disappointment, it’s somewhat tasteless. So, you search until you find the missing ingredient, salt, and you add just the right amount. After another half hour of simmering you try a sample and are greatly delighted. It’s amazing what salt can do!
Or imagine going for a walk in the forest and getting lost. As we search for our way out, the sun sets and it slowly becomes dark. It’s overcast so there are no stars or moon. About a half hour after sunset we find ourselves in complete darkness in the middle of the forest. As we sit there, we suddenly see the bright moon peek through the clouds. It’s a full moon and the overcast skies are clearing up. Suddenly, the full moon sheds so much light our way that we are able to once again navigate the dark forest.
These two images provide us with the importance of just a little salt and a little light. Just a little changes everything! So it is with us in our faith. The world we live in is dark in so many ways. The “flavor” of love and mercy is also quite void. God is calling us to add that little flavor and produce that little light so that others can find their way. Like the moon, we are not the source of light. We only reflect the light. God wants to shine through us and He wants us to reflect His light. If we are open to this, He will move the clouds at the right time so as to use us in the way He has chosen. Our responsibility is to simply be open.
Together we pray: Lord, I do want to be used by You. I want to be salt and light. I want to make a difference in this world. I give myself to You and Your service. Jesus, I trust in You that You alone will heal our sick brethren and set them free. May the souls of our faithful departed brethren rest in perfect peace, amen.