Just A Thought Or Two . . .

February Offers Challenges.

There are some who say, “February is the longest month of the year!”  While we know that February is really the shortest month of the year, February days offer a multitude of challenges.  It is the middle of winter, the flu virus is relentless, and patience is stretched to the limit.  In other years, we would be counting down the days to Lent so we could at least offer up our struggles.  Not this year, Ash Wednesday is a month away.  We look for guidance.

Perhaps it is no coincidence that Matthew’s Gospel for Sunday proclaims these words of Jesus.  “You are the salt of the earth; you are the light of the world.”  Salt and light . . . basic necessities of our human existence.  Salt and light . . . providing a focus for our February days.

Salt seasons.  Salt preserves.  Our Catholic faith seasons our lives with truth.  We flavor the days of our lives with the words of Jesus Christ.  Our faith preserves the Gospel Good News that encourages all to claim Christian identities and responsibilities. When we take the time to look, our lives have been flavored with the love of a Creator who has given us the tools to thrive during February.  However, Jesus cautions, “If salt has lost its taste, it is no longer good for anything.”  In ancient times, if salt deposits were exposed to the elements, the salt would break down and lose its flavor.  Thus, we must be careful.  It is important to preserve the Gospel Good News in a world that continues to preach disrespect, greed, and violence.

And light?  Jesus said, “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 lamp stand, 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.”  We are beacons of hope.  Flavored with spiritual realities, we cannot conceal our light and love but must reach out and share the salvation promise.

It is important to understand that Jesus did not say that we are like salt and light.  No, Jesus said that we are salt.  We are light.  We are called to purpose.  Our lives must proclaim the teachings of Jesus and our work is public.

We have the privilege and responsibility to acknowledge the glory of an ever present God.  We daily reflect that glory to each other and the world.  What a blessed experience!  We celebrate a seasoned legacy of faith.  In February there is a renewed commitment to preserve the Christian message and this can only be accomplished when we support one another.

Please come and pray with us.

On February 12, the KA class will host the liturgy: “Loving God and Each Other” in All Saints Catholic Church at 1:05.