The WORD today (see http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/061119.cfm)
reminds me that we
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 its 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.
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?
May
we do our best and shine not to glorify ourselves but God.
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 times like
these. Sorry for being so busy and distracted Sorry for drowning in
worldly recognition and praise. 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 Day!
In Christ,
-g-
June 11 2019
Memorial of Saint Barnabas, Apostle
Lectionary: 580/360
Lectionary: 580/360
Reading
1 ACTS 11:21B-26; 12:1-3
In
those days a great number who believed turned to the Lord.
The news about them reached the ears of the Church in Jerusalem,
and they sent Barnabas to go to Antioch.
When he arrived and saw the grace of God,
he rejoiced and encouraged them all
to remain faithful to the Lord in firmness of heart,
for he was a good man, filled with the Holy Spirit and faith.
And a large number of people was added to the Lord.
Then he went to Tarsus to look for Saul,
and when he had found him he brought him to Antioch.
For a whole year they met with the Church
and taught a large number of people,
and it was in Antioch that the disciples
were first called Christians.
Now there were in the Church at Antioch prophets and teachers:
Barnabas, Symeon who was called Niger,
Lucius of Cyrene,
Manaen who was a close friend of Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.
While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said,
"Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul
for the work to which I have called them."
Then, completing their fasting and prayer,
they laid hands on them and sent them off.
The news about them reached the ears of the Church in Jerusalem,
and they sent Barnabas to go to Antioch.
When he arrived and saw the grace of God,
he rejoiced and encouraged them all
to remain faithful to the Lord in firmness of heart,
for he was a good man, filled with the Holy Spirit and faith.
And a large number of people was added to the Lord.
Then he went to Tarsus to look for Saul,
and when he had found him he brought him to Antioch.
For a whole year they met with the Church
and taught a large number of people,
and it was in Antioch that the disciples
were first called Christians.
Now there were in the Church at Antioch prophets and teachers:
Barnabas, Symeon who was called Niger,
Lucius of Cyrene,
Manaen who was a close friend of Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.
While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said,
"Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul
for the work to which I have called them."
Then, completing their fasting and prayer,
they laid hands on them and sent them off.
Responsorial
Psalm PS
98:1, 2-3AB, 3CD-4, 5-6
R.(see
2b) The Lord has revealed to the
nations his saving power.
Sing to the LORD a new song,
for he has done wondrous deeds;
His right hand has won victory for him,
his holy arm.
R. The Lord has revealed to the nations his saving power.
The LORD has made his salvation known:
in the sight of the nations he has revealed his justice.
He has remembered his kindness and his faithfulness
toward the house of Israel.
R. The Lord has revealed to the nations his saving power.
All the ends of the earth have seen
the salvation by our God.
Sing joyfully to the LORD, all you lands;
break into song; sing praise.
R. The Lord has revealed to the nations his saving power.
Sing praise to the LORD with the harp,
with the harp and melodious song.
With trumpets and the sound of the horn
sing joyfully before the King, the LORD.
R. The Lord has revealed to the nations his saving power.
Sing to the LORD a new song,
for he has done wondrous deeds;
His right hand has won victory for him,
his holy arm.
R. The Lord has revealed to the nations his saving power.
The LORD has made his salvation known:
in the sight of the nations he has revealed his justice.
He has remembered his kindness and his faithfulness
toward the house of Israel.
R. The Lord has revealed to the nations his saving power.
All the ends of the earth have seen
the salvation by our God.
Sing joyfully to the LORD, all you lands;
break into song; sing praise.
R. The Lord has revealed to the nations his saving power.
Sing praise to the LORD with the harp,
with the harp and melodious song.
With trumpets and the sound of the horn
sing joyfully before the King, the LORD.
R. The Lord has revealed to the nations his saving power.
Alleluia MT
5:16
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Let your light shine before others
that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Let your light shine before others
that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
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."
"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."
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