Dear Friend,
This is the Sunday before Ash Wednesday. In the Gospel for this Sunday (Matthew 5:13-16), Jesus continued teaching His disciples who they are and how they may fulfill their responsibilities as such.
Please read this Gospel to your family and discuss it first before leading them to prayer.
"You are the salt of the earth ..." Jesus teaches His disciples that as disciples, they are the "salt" that will give flavor to "food." They can be but a "pinch of salt" but their effect on a mass of people should not be underestimated.
The disciples, like salt, must also perform as such, otherwise, they might as well "be thrown out and trampled underfoot."
How will they do this?
"You are the light of the world." Jesus teaches His disciples they have to be like a "light" that must shine before men who are in the dark. The people must see goodness in their acts for them to praise the heavenly Father. These people in the dark may not know how to come out into the light and the disciples should lead them out as a shepherd leads his flock.
Jesus would show the disciples how He was a "salt" and a "light." He will teach us also how through the example of His life revealed in Gospel readings.
Meditation ~
Jesus wants me to be a "salt" to give "flavor" in our family and parish.
It does not matter if I am but an insignificant "pinch of salt" here for as long as I shall come out and be available and responsible.
Jesus said that all it takes is for me to be a "light" that people may see the goodness in my actions and me.
I just must follow the example shown by Jesus to His disciples and I may learn from Him in the Gospel readings of the following Sundays.
Contemplation ~
Imagine yourself in the company of the disciples as Jesus speaks to them. Let His words enkindle your heart. Stay with Him as long as possible.
Family Response ~
Talk about how you plan to be a "salt" and a "light" for men to see and feel. Keep track of each other’s progress to help each other become who you are.
Joe & Charito
THE CATHOLIC ARCHDIOCESE OF MANILA'S
ONLINE RESOURCE FOR FAMILY MINISTRIES
www.simbahayan.org
servants@simbahayan.org
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