Daily Reflection – Jun 13, 2017

Tuesday 13 June 2017

First Reading: 2 Corinthians 1:18-22
Responsorial Psalm:
Lord, let your face shine on me.
Psalm 119:129, 130, 131, 132, 133, 135
Gospel Reading: Matthew 5:13-16

Today’s Feast: St Anthony of Padua, Priest and Doctor of the Church (Memorial)

Gospel Reading:

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.”

Reflection:

You are the salt of the earth. (Matthew 5:13)

The late Pentecostal preacher David du Plessis was once approached by a Christian who complained that people don’t seem thirsty for the Lord these days. Without missing a beat, du Plessis replied, “It’s not that they are not thirsty enough. It’s that we are not salty enough!” This reply might make us feel somewhat defensive, but let’s look at it from a different angle. Instead of thinking about how “unsalty” we may be, let’s ask how we can increase our saltiness.

First, consider the qualities you find most attractive in people. Kindness, cheerfulness, thoughtfulness, or helpfulness may come to mind. When you see people with these qualities, you are drawn to them; you want to get to know them and maybe even become more like them. Well, these same qualities can make you more attractive as well.

You see, it’s not all about being pious or reverent. It’s about reaching out to others in genuine concern and compassion. It’s about offering to help someone with a problem. It’s about accompanying someone through a difficult time without expecting any reward or any thanks. These “door openers” help place the love of Christ and the fruit of the Spirit front and center. At the same time, they show that we aren’t trying to impose our religious views on anyone; we’re just trying to love as Jesus loves.

There is an old saying that you can catch more flies with honey than with vinegar. This principle applies in a special way to our goal of “catching” people for Christ. It’s much better to share his good news with a smile and a handshake than with a frown and a pointed finger.

So be salty today! In many cases, you won’t even need to use words. Simply be Christ by the way you treat the people around you. As you do, people will be drawn to you. Then you can point them to Jesus, the only One who can satisfy the hunger and thirst in their lives.

“Thank you, Jesus, for calling me to be light to the world and salt of the earth. Help me to treat people with kindness, respect, and love today so that they may come to thirst for you, the living water.”