Gospel, Matthew 5:13-16
‘You are salt for the earth. But if salt loses its taste, what can make it salty again? It is good for nothing, and can only be thrown out to be trampled under people’s feet. ‘You are light for the world. A city built on a hill-top cannot be hidden.
No one lights a lamp to put it under a tub; they put it on the lamp-stand where it shines for everyone in the house.
In the same way your light must shine in people’s sight, so that, seeing your good works, they may give praise to your Father in heaven.
Mass Intention is for Alistair
Reflection
Riches, power and control are valued highly in our world. But Jesus draws on little things to teach deeper values. Salt preserves food: in the hands of a skilled cook it adds flavour to food. But its work is hidden. As salt of the earth we can be effective in bringing more taste to life for others.
Light does not change a room: it enables us to see what is in it. It helps us appreciate what is good and beautiful, just as it facilitates avoiding pitfalls. We are children of the light: our lives are illumined by Jesus, the light of the world (John 8:12). This light helps us to see the hidden hope of glory that is in us. So, we can rejoice even in the darkness of the world.
God Bless you all Deacon Martyn