Sunday, 9^th February – 5^th Sunday of the year

Reflection: Matthew 5: 13-16

LIGHT OF THE WORLD

All creation is eagerly expecting the birth in glory of the children of God (Romans 8:19). From God the incomprehensible light, we Christians, take our source to be light in the darkness of the world: a light that darkness should not overcome (John 1:5). We are in the world but not of the world, hence, we must not allow the cares of the world to put off the light of Christ in us. We must not allow the unfaithfulness and ingratitude we have experienced from others in the past to put off the generous and good spirit in us. We must not let ourselves be shaped by the world where we live; rather, we should be transformed through the renewal of our minds (Romans 12:2).

Dear Friends, each time we share our bread with the hungry, shelter the homeless, encourage the down casted, fight for the cause of right or defend the helpless, we are shining forth the light of God in us. Each time we take the pain to correct those who go astray in love and not allow them to perish, each time we offer our time, talent and treasure for the good of others in the community or for service to God in His Church, we are shining forth our light as God’s Children. Each time we discharge our duties accordingly as students, as citizens of the country and as children to our parents and God; we are shining forth the light of God in us.

Let us ask ourselves; how much have I allowed the light of God in me to shine forth? Have I covered up my light because of past hurts or what others will say or think of me? Does my way of life lead others to God? Let us pray for the grace to be Light of the world and Salt of the earth.

PRAYER: Lord help me to live for you, that through my daily activities others may come to know you through me. Amen

KNOW YOUR FAITH: YOUCAT 11: WHY DO WE HAND ON THE FAITH?

No genuine Christian leaves the transmission of the faith exclusively to specialists (teachers, pastors, missionaries). We are Christ for others…He says to himself, “The Lord needs me! I have been baptized and confirmed and am responsible for helping the people around me to learn about God and ‘to come to the knowledge of the truth’ (1 Timothy 2:4b).” Mother Teresa used a good comparison: “Often you can see power lines running alongside the street. Unless current is flowing through them, there is no light. The power line is you and I! The current is God! We have the power to allow the current to flow through us and thus generate the light of the world.

HIDE A TREASURE: “You were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Behave as Children of light; the fruits of light are kindness, justice and truth in every form.” Ephesians 5:8-9 CCB

Readings for today: Isaiah 58:7-10, Psalm 112:4-9, 1 Corinthians 2:1-5, Matthew 5:13-16