Gospel Reading
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."
Mt 5:13-16
Gospel Reflection
Praised be Jesus Christ!
In the Gospel, Christ compares our discipleship to both salt and light. Both of these qualities bring joy to life, for without salt our food would be tasteless and without light we would be unable to enjoy the visual pleasures of life such as a book or a beautiful work of art. Similarly, without the salt and the light that is our relationship with Christ, the true joys of life would not be felt.
The question becomes how do we keep the joy that Christ promises amidst the challenges of an increasingly secular world? The answer lies in the Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy introduced by the Prophet Isaiah in the First Reading. If we give of ourselves in such a beautiful way, we will experience true joy. Yes, the world may offer temporary joy, but it is only that -- temporary. Instead, we are called to have lasting, eternal joy. A joy so strong that not even the hardest of times can shake it.
Therefore, let us be the light for the world and the salt of the earth by imitating our Crucified Lord and offering ourselves in service to our fellow man. Let us too turn toward the Holy Eucharist as our source of strength so that we truly can be Christ's instruments in the world.
As always, know of my prayers before Jesus in the Most Blessed Sacrament.
+Bishop Schlert
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