Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Intention: For all caregivers, especially teachers, that they may be attentive to the Holy Spirit’s inspirations to work as bringers of strength and hope to all who they serve.
Today’s Gospel | Matthew 5:13-16
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.”
From the Seventh Meditation for the Time of Retreat | Saint John Baptist de La Salle
The reason that Saint Paul gives for this is that God’s secret plan was unveiled to him. He had received the grace of unveiling to the nations the incomprehensible riches of Jesus Christ, so that those who previously were deprived of Jesus Christ and were strangers to the covenant of God, without hope in his promises, now belong to Jesus Christ and are strangers no longer. They have become fellow citizens with the saints and servants of God’s household. They are the structure that has been built on the foundation of the Apostles and raised up by Jesus Christ. They have become the sanctuary where God dwells through his Holy Spirit.
Prayer
Eternal Father, you want for all your children to know you through the gifts that you have given us to share with one another. Help us to be each day signs of your presence and channels of your love. May we be as richness in emptiness and light in darkness, working to build a better world, one that seeks a compassionate and just present and a whole and fulfilling future. We ask this of you who lives and reigns with your Son and the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever. Amen.