Grant us, O Lord, to trust in you with all our hearts; for, as you always resist the proud who confide in their own strength, so you never forsake those who make their boast of your mercy; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Gospel Reading of the Day, Matthew 5:13-20
13 "You are the salt of the earth; but if salt has lost its taste, how can its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything, but is thrown out and trampled under foot. 14 "You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. 15 No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.
17 "Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets; I have come not to abolish but to fulfill. 18 For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth pass away, not one letter, not one stroke of a letter, will pass from the law until all is accomplished. 19 Therefore, whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches others to do the same, will be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. 20 For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.
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Being the salt and light of the world is an enormously important and challenging responsibility that opens up all kinds of opportunities to help make Christ know in the world. We are honored by being trusted with this mission: to help preserve meaningful life, to bring forth flavor in true living, and show the way to the kingdom of God. The enormity of the task can be daunting and stall us in our tracks. Our responsibility goes beyond all the laws and the prophets. Like with the most challenging opponent or toughest assignment, preparation and pace and partnerships are critical for success.
Preparation comes best from being nurtured in a loving, caring Christ influenced environment and from our individual spiritual growth and development. Families are the front-line training teams and our churches are right there to help individuals and families and groups. Needs arise and schools and community groups form also to help fill in the gaps. Preparation is critical for fulfilling our honored responsibility.
Pacing for this responsibility includes knowing how much of ourselves to give when and where. I value persons making a thoughtful response when deciding whether to accept or decline an offer to be in ministry here or there or over there, too. Pacing also includes the decision of balancing “to give” with “to refresh.” We are just one week away from the national holiday when our society pauses from normal labor tasks. We do this each Sunday (and other times) for worship and pausing for spiritual refreshment and encouragement. Pacing is critical for participating in our honored responsibility.
Partnership is the most important element for responding to the honored responsibility given us. Whoever we are, whatever we do, wherever we go, however we engage, whenever we are preparing, pacing or participating in our honored responsibility, what is most critical is that we partner with Our Lord. To be the salt and light of the world is indeed an enormously important and challenging and expansive and honored responsibility. We will fail if we try to do it alone. Pause right now and with at least one deep breath, praise the One who abides within you and understands you and loves you so immeasurably.
Blessings, Mthr. Mary Lou
Preparation comes best from being nurtured in a loving, caring Christ influenced environment and from our individual spiritual growth and development. Families are the front-line training teams and our churches are right there to help individuals and families and groups. Needs arise and schools and community groups form also to help fill in the gaps. Preparation is critical for fulfilling our honored responsibility.
Pacing for this responsibility includes knowing how much of ourselves to give when and where. I value persons making a thoughtful response when deciding whether to accept or decline an offer to be in ministry here or there or over there, too. Pacing also includes the decision of balancing “to give” with “to refresh.” We are just one week away from the national holiday when our society pauses from normal labor tasks. We do this each Sunday (and other times) for worship and pausing for spiritual refreshment and encouragement. Pacing is critical for participating in our honored responsibility.
Partnership is the most important element for responding to the honored responsibility given us. Whoever we are, whatever we do, wherever we go, however we engage, whenever we are preparing, pacing or participating in our honored responsibility, what is most critical is that we partner with Our Lord. To be the salt and light of the world is indeed an enormously important and challenging and expansive and honored responsibility. We will fail if we try to do it alone. Pause right now and with at least one deep breath, praise the One who abides within you and understands you and loves you so immeasurably.
Blessings, Mthr. Mary Lou
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