The Lord’s exhortation to be salt and light is an affirmation of human dignity and an invitation to share our lives with one another. As we reflect on what we do and how we do it, may we call upon Christ for the strength we need.
Mass Readings – 5th Sunday of the Year
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Solomon’s prayer request to God shows shows his love for the Lord and his desire to serve the people. May we take his example to heart in our daily prayer, asking the Lord for what we need to be better disciples today.
Mass Readings – Saturday of the 4th Week of the Year
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We find in today’s gospel passage the stark evil surrounding the death of John the Baptist. All the elements in this passage are evil, driven by pride, hatred and jealousy. Our response? The Cross of Christ.
Mass Readings – Friday of the 4th Week of the Year
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As the Lord sent out the Apostles to continue his ministry, he gave them instructions that inspire us today as we serve the Lord.
Mass Readings – Thursday of the 4th Week of the Year
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The Psalm Response cuts right to the heart of a deep and urgent need in our souls: to call upon the Lord for the forgiveness and mercy we need as we acknowledge our sins.
Mass Readings – Wednesday of the 4th Week of the the Year
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The Gospel of Mark offers two short scenes where people are healed from terrible affliction. In both cases, their faith sustains them to trust in the Lord and seek healing for their lives.
Mass Readings – Tuesday of the 4th Week of the Year
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Study: Reflect on a time when you were able to help someone in a profound moment of need. What gave you the “push” to help?
Pray: Is there a situation in your life that requires action but you find yourself in need of guidance? Bring this concern to the Lord in your prayer.
Serve: How can you be Salt or Light to someone today? How can your life enhance the quality and dignity of another?
Mass Readings – 5th Sunday of the Year
We see some beautiful themes surface in the readings this week:
Throughout these readings the Lord’s power is manifested every time we cooperate with God’s grace through works of charity and service. Things like:
When we do these things we discover that God provides the strength, wisdom, direction and guidance to carry them out. The Lord takes our effort, reinforces it with grace, and blesses our work in ways we never imagined. Like a brilliant light shining in the darkness, the glory of Jesus Christ pierces the pain and struggles of this life and offers us hope to continue on our way.
And when we let the Lord work through us we become Salt & Light. Our lives, invigorated by God’s love, become conduits for Divine Charity to touch hearts and lives in our world today. It is the Lord’s power at work in our lives, and we are blessed every time we say “Yes!” to the call of Christ to serve those in our midst.
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Note: This post was first published on January 30, 2017.
The encounter between Simeon and Mary reveals how our faith in Jesus Christ gives us the grace we need to face the challenges of life today. As Mary endured the “sword of sorrow” that pierced her heart, we can also embraced our struggles with God’s help.
Mass Readings – Presentation of the Lord
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The storm was great, and the disciples were terrified. Yet with a word the Lord calmed the waves and their fear. May we trust in the Lord’s power when fear chokes us with terror.
Mass Readings – Saturday of the 3rd Week of the Year
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Psalm 51 speaks from the depths of our hearts, reminding us of those times when we have fallen short of our Christian calling, yet inspiring us to drawn near to Christ for the healing of our hearts.
Mass Readings – Friday of the 3rd Week of the Year
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