Shine For God

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-

Ps

See related reflection:

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2020/06/day-by-day.html

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Tuesday of the Tenth Week in Ordinary Time

Lectionary: 360

Reading I

1 Kgs 17:7-16

The brook near where Elijah was hiding ran dry,
because no rain had fallen in the land.
So the LORD said to Elijah:
“Move on to Zarephath of Sidon and stay there.
I have designated a widow there to provide for you.”
He left and went to Zarephath.
As he arrived at the entrance of the city,
a widow was gathering sticks there; he called out to her,
“Please bring me a small cupful of water to drink.”
She left to get it, and he called out after her,
“Please bring along a bit of bread.”
She answered, “As the LORD, your God, lives,
I have nothing baked;
there is only a handful of flour in my jar
and a little oil in my jug.
Just now I was collecting a couple of sticks,
to go in and prepare something for myself and my son;
when we have eaten it, we shall die.”
Elijah said to her, “Do not be afraid.
Go and do as you propose.
But first make me a little cake and bring it to me.
Then you can prepare something for yourself and your son.
For the LORD, the God of Israel, says,
‘The jar of flour shall not go empty,
nor the jug of oil run dry,
until the day when the LORD sends rain upon the earth.’”
She left and did as Elijah had said.
She was able to eat for a year, and Elijah and her son as well;
the jar of flour did not go empty,
nor the jug of oil run dry,
as the LORD had foretold through Elijah.

Responsorial Psalm

4:2-3, 4-5, 7b-8

R. (7a) Lord, let your face shine on us.
When I call, answer me, O my just God,
you who relieve me when I am in distress;
Have pity on me, and hear my prayer!
Men of rank, how long will you be dull of heart?
Why do you love what is vain and seek after falsehood?
R. Lord, let your face shine on us.
Know that the LORD does wonders for his faithful one;
the LORD will hear me when I call upon him.
Tremble, and sin not;
reflect, upon your beds, in silence.
R. Lord, let your face shine on us.
O LORD, let the light of your countenance shine upon us!
You put gladness into my heart,
more than when grain and wine abound.
R. Lord, let your face shine on us.

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.

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.”