FIRST READING
1 Kings 17:7-16
The brook near where Elijah was hiding ran dry, because no rain had fallen in the land. So the LORD said to Elijah: “Move on to Zarephath of Sidon and stay there. I have designated a widow there to provide for you.” He left and went to Zarephath. As he arrived at the entrance of the city, a widow was gathering sticks there; he called out to her, “Please bring me a small cupful of water to drink.” She left to get it, and he called out after her, “Please bring along a bit of bread.” She answered, “As the LORD, your God, lives, I have nothing baked; there is only a handful of flour in my jar and a little oil in my jug. Just now I was collecting a couple of sticks, to go in and prepare something for myself and my son; when we have eaten it, we shall die.” Elijah said to her, “Do not be afraid. Go and do as you propose. But first make me a little cake and bring it to me. Then you can prepare something for yourself and your son. For the LORD, the God of Israel, says, ‘The jar of flour shall not go empty, nor the jug of oil run dry, until the day when the LORD sends rain upon the earth.’” She left and did as Elijah had said. She was able to eat for a year, and Elijah and her son as well; the jar of flour did not go empty, nor the jug of oil run dry, as the LORD had foretold through Elijah.
RESPONSORIAL PSALM
Psalm 4:2-3, 4-5, 7b-8
R. (7a) Lord, let your face shine on us.
When I call, answer me, O my just God, you who relieve me when I am in distress; Have pity on me, and hear my prayer! Men of rank, how long will you be dull of heart? Why do you love what is vain and seek after falsehood?
R. Lord, let your face shine on us.
Know that the LORD does wonders for his faithful one; the LORD will hear me when I call upon him. Tremble, and sin not; reflect, upon your beds, in silence.
R. Lord, let your face shine on us.
O LORD, let the light of your countenance shine upon us! You put gladness into my heart, more than when grain and wine abound.
R. Lord, let your face shine on us.
ALLELUIA
Matthew 5:16
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Let your light shine before others that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
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.”
REFLECTIONS:
Jesus used ordinary images, such as salt and light,
to convey extraordinary truths. What does salt and light have to teach
us about God and his reign on earth? Salt was a valuable commodity in the
ancient world. People traded with it, like we trade with gold and stock.
Salt also served a very useful purpose in hot climates before the invention
of electricity and refrigeration. Salt not only gave food flavor, it also
preserved meat from spoiling. Jesus used the image of salt to describe
how his disciples are to live in the world. As salt purifies, preserves,
and penetrates, so the disciple must be as salt in the world of human society
to purify, preserve, and penetrate that society for the kingdom of God
and of his righteousness and peace.
Jesus also used the image of light and a lamp to further his illustration.
Lamps in the ancient world served a vital function, much like they do today.
They enable people to see and work in the dark and to avoid stumbling.
The Jews also understood light as an expression of the inner beauty,
truth, and goodness of God. In his light we see light ( Psalm 36:9).
His word is a lamp that guides our steps (Psalm 119:105). Gods grace
not only illumines the darkness in our lives, but it also fills us with
spiritual light, joy, and peace. Jesus used the image of a lamp to describe
how his disciples are to live in the light of his truth and love. Just
as natural light illumines the darkness and enables one to see visually,
so the light of Christ shines in the hearts of believers and enables us
to see the heavenly reality of Gods kingdom. In fact, our mission
is to be light-bearers of Christ so that others may see the truth
of the gospel and be freed from the blindness of sin and deception.
Jesus remarks that nothing can remain hidden or secret. We can try to
hide things from others, from ourselves, and from God. How tempting to
shut our eyes from the consequences of our sinful ways and bad habits,
even when we know what those consequences are. And how tempting to hide
them from others and even from God. But, nonetheless, everything is known
to God who sees all. There is great freedom and joy for those who live
in Gods light and who seek his truth. Those who listen to God and heed
his voice will receive more from him. Do you know the joy and freedom of
living in Gods light?
Lord Jesus, you guide me by the light of your saving truth. Fill my
heart and mind with your light and truth and free me from the blindness
of
sin and deception that I may see your ways clearly and understand your
will for my life. May I radiate your light and truth to others in word
and deed.
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