Reflections on Scripture | Memorial of Saint Barnabas, Apostle

Join Msgr. Don Fischer as he reads and delivers a short reflection on today’s gospel, followed by 3 1/2 minutes of contemplative music and a closing prayer. Msgr. Don hopes that today’s reflection on the gospel will empower you to carry the Word in your heart throughout the day.

Choose either the video or audio below.

Gospel 
Matthew 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.”

Reflection

I've always loved this passage because one of the things that is clear when you look at what salt is, salt never loses its flavor. You don't have stale salt without any seasoning power. And also a light, once even a match is lit in a totally dark universe, that light is not extinguished by the darkness. It gives us an image of the power of the love that God has created for us to dwell within us, to bring light to those around us.

Closing Prayer

Father, your Spirit within us is unlimited in its ability to do the work you call us to do. Give us that trust in what you've given us, not in what we ourselves think we need to create. And we ask this in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Kyle Cross