Let Our LIight Shine

 

Matthew 5: 13-16

Salt and Light

¹³ “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.

¹⁴ “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. ¹⁵ Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. ¹⁶ In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

We celebrate the memorial of the beloved Saint Anthony, friend of those who lose or can' find things, but an amazing preacher and miracle worker too.  Italian communities not only honor him with Mass but also with processions and festivals.  He is a saint that is just  a prayer away, as we have experienced.  We all but conclude our prayer for the lost object and lo and behold, there it is. But our Gospel for today reminds us that it is not just finding lost objects that is Anthony's mission, but as a preacher, stirring up the faith of people that might have gone flat or tepid, and making it a zesty part of their (our) lives again.  Through our prayers, reflections, and interactions with others let us become salt and light.

Bro. Rene

Dear God, St. Anthony and this Gospel passage remind us not to be passive but ACTIVE Christians. Help us to take this challenge seriously and put it into ACTION. Amen.