Daily Gospel Reflection for June 13, 2023

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

Today's Gospel: Matthew 5:13-16

In today’s Gospel, we hear Jesus call His disciples both the salt of the earth and the light of the world (cf. Matthew 5:13-14). In using these analogies, He is showing us that faith alone is not enough. Jesus calls us to action to truly live as we are called to.

Our actions must reflect our belief and trust in the Lord. Salt is used to both flavor and preserve foods. Salt does not stand alone. It is an additive. The role of the salt is to enhance something else. In this way, we are called to enhance the lives of others around us. A holy life of contemplative prayer is not enough. We must step out of ourselves and reach out to others to fulfill our God-given roles.

Saint Anthony of Padua, whom we remember today on his memorial, is an excellent example of living the faith as the salt of the earth. Despite illness and sermons falling on deaf ears, Saint Anthony persevered to preach the Word in simple, accessible ways that even the uneducated could understand. In this way, he became the salt and the light for all, not just those who could read and understand scripture and the theologians.

As we reflect on what it means to be the light of the world, remember that a light is meant to shine, and more importantly, to be seen by others. By living our faith in a public way, we can become the light for others. Find a way to shine brighter for those who are still trapped in the darkness.

Ponder:

In what way is God calling me to be a light for someone in my life?

Pray:

Lord, make me a light of the world. May I, in union with Saint Anthony, be a light for all to see.

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Our actions must reflect our belief and trust in the Lord. #DailyGospel

Copyright 2023 Maria Riley