First reading 2 Corinthians 1:18-22
God himself has anointed us and given us his Spirit
I swear by God’s truth, there is no Yes and No about what we say to you. The Son of God, the Christ Jesus that we proclaimed among you – I mean Silvanus and Timothy and I – was never Yes and No: with him it was always Yes, and however many the promises God made, the Yes to them all is in him. That is why it is ‘through him’ that we answer Amen to the praise of God. Remember it is God himself who assures us all, and you, of our standing in Christ, and has anointed us, marking us with his seal and giving us the pledge, the Spirit, that we carry in our hearts.
Responsorial Psalm 118(119):129-133,135
Let your face shine on your servant.
Your will is wonderful indeed;
therefore I obey it.
The unfolding of your word gives light
and teaches the simple.
I open my mouth and I sigh
as I yearn for your commands.
Turn and show me your mercy;
show justice to your friends.
Let my steps be guided by your promise;
let no evil rule me.
Let your face shine on your servant
and teach me your decrees.
Gospel Matthew 5:13-16
Your light must shine in the sight of men
Jesus said to his disciples: ‘You are the salt of the earth. But if salt becomes tasteless, what can make it salty again? It is good for nothing, and can only be thrown out to be trampled underfoot by men.
‘You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill-top cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp to put it under a tub; they put it on the lamp-stand where it shines for everyone in the house. In the same way your light must shine in the sight of men, so that, seeing your good works, they may give the praise to your Father in heaven.’
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Salt and light
“You are the salt of the earth”. Salt is important for us because it preserves food and adds flavour to food. Yet, its work is unseen, hidden. As salt of the earth, in small and hidden ways, we can bring out more taste to the lives of others by making a small gesture of kindness, saying a word of encouragement, taking time to listen and simply being present to another, etc.
“You are light of the world”. Light brightens a space and lets us see what is in the area. It helps us recognise and value what is good and illumine our path so that we do not stumble and fall. Jesus calls us, through our words and actions, to be light to those in our family, workplace, parish groups, neighbourhood, etc., and to brighten the darkness around us so that others will not stumble their way to life but come to know and encounter Him as the Light of the world.
Reflective question:
How can I respond to the call of Jesus to be salt and light of the world today?
How can I respond to the call of Jesus to be salt and light of the world today?
Acknowledgment: Reflections are based on “Prayer for Living: The Word of God for Daily Prayer Year A” by Sr Sandra Seow FMVD.
