June 11, 2012. Homily, Tuesday, June 12, 2012.

Matthew 5:13-16


[follows the Sermon on the Mount] 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 give 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."
The Gospel of the Lord.


Salt:  preservative of food (salt draws moisture out; decomposition cannot occur without moisture), curative of wounds (an antiseptic that kills bacteria; rubbing salt in a wound prevents infection), enhancer of food (brings out flavor for food otherwise bland).
City set on a mountain:  for defensive purposes and so that all (travelers and traders) may be drawn to it.
Light a lamp:  set on a shelf so that it may illuminate the house.  Just so, your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father (as Christians we should be lights leading people to God and away from evil).
Posted by Daniel Murphy at 5:23 PM 0 comments   



REFLECTION 
Today's Gospel tells us that we are "the salt of the earth." We are 
these gifts with others. In the same way as food stays flavorless until salt is added, the world will be a better place when we share our gifts and talents with others. A gifted artist could create beautiful works of art but they remain a secret until shown to others. 
Each of us is born with God-given gifts and our purpose, as Christians, is to share those gifts.

A brilliant mind would remain unknown until used to learn all it can and share that knowledge.What can we do to bring out the best in ourselves and in others? Is it enough to be good children, good parents? Can we be fair bosses or honest employees? Can we be competent and sympathetic doctors? This list is endless. Each one of us has a role in making our world a better place.

At the end of the day, let us look back and remember an incident or action that we did for someone else; something that made God's gifts in us shine through. A little goes a long way.