At mass this weekend, the gospel reading was 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."

Father’s homily was one of those that knocked be back. And luckily for me, it was the mass that was streamed for people to watch at home. I watched several times and took notes!

Father quoted Hans Urs von Balthasar (And now I want to read all of his books), “What you are is God’s gift to you, but what you become is your gift to God.” And Father ties this quote into us bringing our unique flavor to the world (Salt of the earth) and reflect Jesus’s light to the world (Light of the world).

“You are the salt of the Earth”: I think this ties into the Comparison Game I was talking about last week. I don’t need to spend my energy keeping up with what everyone else is doing, giving up my uniqueness and becoming flavorless. I want to spend my energy being a positive influence to those around me, make a positive difference to those I’m closest to and in my community. And I want to bring value (salt) to the world.

“You are the light of the world”: In my past, I was NOT a light in a dark world. I was a creator of drama, searching out what selfishly brought me pleasure at that particular time with no thought or consideration of anyone else. The last few years, my growing faith has brought huge and amazing changes in my life. And I see how the light of my faith is reflected in my family and friends. Jesus has brought a peace to my heart that gives me the desire to care for others over my old selfish notions. I pray that His light shines through me.

I hope you are also inspired by Fr. Balthasar. I’m striving for Salt and Light. And you?

You’re going to be OK!

If you would like to listen to the homily I referenced above, this is the streamed service. The gospel reading is at timestamp 17:40 and the homily is at 18:45. Thank you Father Randy!