Faith Daily | 7 June 2022

PRAYER of the DAY - APBA p 522

O God, who taught the hearts of your faithful people

grant us by the same Spirit

to have a right judgement in all things,

and evermore to rejoice in his holy comfort;

through the merits of Christ Jesus our Saviour,

who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the same Spirit,

one God, now and for ever.

Amen

GOSPEL for the Day: Matthew 5: 13-16

13“You are the salt of the earth; but if salt has lost its taste, how can its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything, but is thrown out and trampled under foot. 14“You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. 15No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. 16In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.

GOSPEL REFLECTION: Margaret Woolley

Both salt and light have properties which affect things around them and Jesus has used these two examples to challenge His disciples to make the world a better place.

In Jesus' day salt was used as a preservative to prevent food from decaying and rotting and in a world where we see so much decay and rot - war, deceit, power, control and disingenuous behaviour, He wants us to use and show those preserving qualities; in other words, our 'saltiness', to the world. Jesus is challenging His disciples to get out and preserve honesty, truth, integrity, justice and a love for their fellow man. We are His salt!

In Jesus' statement "You are the light of the world", He charges His disciples to hold their light high and to show Christ to the darkened world.

Having light in a room does not change the room, but it enables us to see what is in that room. It helps us to discern and appreciate what is good and beautiful, just as it shows us ways of avoiding hazards and dangers. Jesus wants us to be His light in the world so that light will shine even in the darkest of places. However, to dispel that darkness we need the shining light of Jesus's teachings to enable us to follow his example by being brave and speak up for injustice, show integrity and love for our fellow man. We are His light!

FINAL PRAYER

'You are the salt of the earth'

Sprinkle us across our town, God, across the world, to bring the flavour of your Kingdom wherever we go.

'You are the light of the world'

Uncover the radiance that is within us, God, to shine the truth of your love wherever we go.

Amen.