Daily Gospel Reflection for February 5, 2023

Join us as we reflect, ponder, and pray together inspired by today's Gospel.

Today's Gospel: Matthew 5:13-16

Today Jesus reminds us that as His disciples, we have an obligation to share the message through works and deeds. As His disciples, we are the salt of the earth (cf. Matthew 5:13). We are called to “flavor” and enhance the lives of those around us. Remember that during the time of Jesus, salt was also used as an important preservative. Therefore, as the salt of the earth, we are also tasked with the preservation and saving of souls.

Jesus takes it one step further and reminds His disciples that if salt loses its taste, it becomes worthless. Today we get to reflect on what it means to retain our saltiness in life. None of us wish to be thrown out and trampled underfoot, so we must find a way to retain our flavor (cf Matthew 5:13). This can mean giving generously to the poor, volunteering to share our time and talents, or forgiving someone who doesn’t deserve to be forgiven.

Jesus goes on to call His disciples the light of the world (cf. Matthew 5:14). A light is meant to shine, and more importantly, to be seen by others. But a light is special in that the light, simply by its existence, helps others to see the way. By living our faith in a public way, we can become the light for others. We shine simply because we are living the life we are called to. By this example, we have the privilege of showing other people the way to God.

Ponder:

How can I be the light for someone else in my life today?

Pray:

Lord, give me the courage to be the lamp placed on a lampstand, shining to give light to everyone around me.

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A light is special in that the light, simply by its existence, helps others to see the way. #DailyGospel

Copyright 2023 Maria Riley