Shine For God

The WORD today (see http://usccb.org/bible/readings/020517.cfm) reminds me that I should always shine for God. 

All our actions should magnify and glorify God.

The gospel shows us Jesus telling his disciples to be salt and light. In ancient times, salt was used not only to give food taste, but mainly to preserve food. Salt is not the main ingredient or the focus in cooking. If it was, food will be salty. The same way, as disciples of God, we should preserve not food, but the people God has chosen. We should preserve God’s kingdom in whatever capacity we can, and as we do so, the focus should never be on ourselves and what we are doing, but on God - his greatness, his kingdom.

Jesus also tells his disciples they are the light. Not just ordinary light, but light of the world. A lamp does not keep light to itself. It is put on a lampstand to illuminate the house. Again, focus is not on the light. As we work for God, as we bring light into the world by proclaiming his kingdom and serving God, the focus should not be on our accomplishments, or on how many people we’ve helped or brought to the faith. The focus should always be on God. As Jesus tells them, people should see our good deeds and glorify your heavenly father.

Nowadays, it is not always easy to live this. We see a lot of good intentions and good people, but once worldly accomplishments and praise get to them, they start to lose focus on their cause. They get corrupted. They put the focus on themselves already. We are reminded today not to let that happen. In everything we say, do or think, and in every accomplishment and acknowledgement, we should always bring the focus to God. We should always bring back the glory to God. We should always shine for God.

May we remember the words of the psalmist, and be inspired to live by it: "the just man is a light in darkness to the upright"

Do I excel in the things that I do? Do I give my best in what I do? For whom do I achieve and excel? Am I working hard for God? Do I glorify God in my actions, and bring him all the glory and fame that he rightfully deserves? Do I keep my focus on him? Do I shine for him?

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for reminding me who I should always be glorifying. Lord, I know at times I get distracted, that even if I work for you, sometimes I want to receive recognition and affirmation on my actions. Sorry for being weak. Sorry for being distracted. Help me Lord to always remember that I am doing everything for you and your greater glory. Help me focus on you and keep my eyes on you. May I never lose sight of you. May my actions and accomplishments reflect you. Help me shine for you in everything I do. Amen.

Blessed Sunday!

In Christ,

-g-

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February 5, 2017
Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Lectionary: 73

Reading 1 Is 58:7-10

Thus says the LORD:
Share your bread with the hungry,
shelter the oppressed and the homeless;
clothe the naked when you see them,
and do not turn your back on your own.
Then your light shall break forth like the dawn,
and your wound shall quickly be healed;
your vindication shall go before you,
and the glory of the LORD shall be your rear guard.
Then you shall call, and the LORD will answer,
you shall cry for help, and he will say: Here I am!
If you remove from your midst
oppression, false accusation and malicious speech;
if you bestow your bread on the hungry
and satisfy the afflicted;
then light shall rise for you in the darkness,
and the gloom shall become for you like midday.

Responsorial Psalm Ps 112:4-5, 6-7, 8-9

R. (4a) The just man is a light in darkness to the upright.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Light shines through the darkness for the upright;
he is gracious and merciful and just.
Well for the man who is gracious and lends,
who conducts his affairs with justice.
R. The just man is a light in darkness to the upright.
or:
R. Alleluia.
He shall never be moved;
the just one shall be in everlasting remembrance.
An evil report he shall not fear;
his heart is firm, trusting in the LORD.
R. The just man is a light in darkness to the upright.
or:
R. Alleluia.
His heart is steadfast; he shall not fear.
Lavishly he gives to the poor;
His justice shall endure forever;
his horn shall be exalted in glory.
R. The just man is a light in darkness to the upright.
or:
R. Alleluia.

Reading 2 1 Cor 2:1-5

When I came to you, brothers and sisters,
proclaiming the mystery of God,
I did not come with sublimity of words or of wisdom.
For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you
except Jesus Christ, and him crucified.
I came to you in weakness and fear and much trembling,
and my message and my proclamation
were not with persuasive words of wisdom,
but with a demonstration of Spirit and power,
so that your faith might rest not on human wisdom
but on the power of God.

Alleluia Jn 8:12

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
I am the light of the world, says the Lord;
whoever follows me will have the light of life.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel Mt 5:13-16

Jesus said to his disciples:
"You are the salt of the earth.
But if salt loses its taste, with what can it be seasoned?
It is no longer good for anything
but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.
You are the light of the world.
A city set on a mountain cannot be hidden.
Nor do they light a lamp and then put it under a bushel basket;
it is set on a lampstand,
where it gives light to all in the house.
Just so, your light must shine before others,
that they may see your good deeds
and glorify your heavenly Father."