Jun 10 2025

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.

Let your face shine on your servant.

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 your face shine on your servant.

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.

Let your face shine on your servant.

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… You are the light of the world” (The Gospel). Jesus uses these two familiar images, salt and light, from everyday life to remind us of our purpose here on earth. In Jesus’ time, salt was used as a food preservative, primarily for meat and seafood. Thus, Jesus calls us to be salt in our workplaces, parishes, families, neighbourhoods, and friendships by embodying the values of the Kingdom: mercy, peace, justice, simplicity and goodness. When we lose our saltiness, meaning we become influenced by the world’s values and ways, we diminish our influence because we start to speak and act like the world.

We are called to be light by living in a way that shines God’s love in every aspect of life through our words and actions, thus illuminating the darkness of selfishness, pride and hatred that often surrounds us. Today, Jesus invites us once more to be in communion with Him, allowing Him to give us the strength and guidance to be His salt and light.

Reflective question:
What does it mean to be the salt and light of Jesus in my life today?

Acknowledgment: Reflections are based on “Prayer for Living: The Word of God for Daily Prayer Year C” by Sr Maria Jose FMVD.