Word to the Wise
Sunday, February 5, 2017 - 5th Sunday in Ordinary Time - A
[Isa 58:7-10; 1 Cor 2:1-5; Matt 5:13-16]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....[Matthew]
Which of the two images, salt and light, would you identify with? Or do you find both or neither something you would consider yourself to be? Let's assume today that both images are still in play but give thought to the impact either has in our own life in terms of faith and action.
Consider first the particular people whom you would characterize as "salt of the earth," - those persons whose genuine goodness and humble service and integrity shine forth and are an example of Christian faith in an unspectacular yet noticeable way. Would you consider yourself one of them? Next, consider those who seem to "radiate" Christian love and dedication by their willingness to take on tasks, especially of leadership - but leading by example as well. Would you consider yourself one of them? Jesus challenges us to be both. So, where do we put ourselves on the salt-light spectrum?
Some years ago the Catholic bishops of our country authored a document called "Communities of Salt and Light." It's about what a Catholic parish community can, or should, be. So, salt and light are not just individual characteristics. They can be collective. Where does my particular parish fit on the salt-light spectrum? For starters, finding that document on line and reading it might help.
Maybe low-sodium and dim lights are part of our diets now for physical health, but as a matter of faith and action, we can indulge if we want. We have Jesus' assurance of that. AMEN
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