The WORD today reminds me that I should always shine for 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.
All our actions should magnify and glorify God.
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 remember the words of the psalmist, and be inspired to live by it: "lord, let your face shine on me"
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 Day!
In Christ,
-g-
June 08, 2021
Tuesday of Week 10; St. William of York
FIRST READING
Brothers and sisters:
As God is faithful, our word to you is not “yes” and “no.” For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was proclaimed to you by us, Silvanus and Timothy and me, was not “yes” and “no,” but “yes” has been in him. For however many are the promises of God, their Yes is in him; therefore, the Amen from us also goes through him to God for glory. But the one who gives us security with you in Christ and who anointed us is God; he has also put his seal upon us and given the Spirit in our hearts as a first installment.
RESPONSORIAL PSALM
R. (135a) Lord, let your face shine on me.
Wonderful are your decrees; therefore I observe them.
R. Lord, let your face shine on me.
The revelation of your words sheds light, gives understanding to the simple.
R. Lord, let your face shine on me.
I gasp with open mouth in my yearning for your commands.
R. Lord, let your face shine on me.
Turn to me in pity as you turn to those who love your name.
R. Lord, let your face shine on me.
Steady my footsteps according to your promise, and let no iniquity rule over me.
R. Lord, let your face shine on me.
Let your countenance shine upon your servant, and teach me your statutes.
R. Lord, let your face shine on me.
ALLELUIA
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Let your light shine before others that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
GOSPEL
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.”
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