＊＊＊ 1st Reading ＊＊＊     

2 Corinthians 1:18-22

God knows that our dealing with you is not Yes and No,

 Just as the Son of God, Christ Jesus, whom we—Silvanus, Timothy and I—preach to you, was not Yes and No; with him it was simply Yes.   In him all the promises of God have come to be a Yes, and we also say in his name: Amen! giving thanks to God.   God him­­self has anointed us and strengthens us with you to serve Christ;   he has marked us with his own seal in a first outpouring of the Spirit in our hearts.

 

Ps 119:129-133, 135

Lord, let your face shine on me.

 

＊＊＊＊ Gospel ＊＊＊＊ 

Matthew 5:13-16

 You are the salt of the earth. But if salt has lost its strength, how can it be made salty again? It has become useless. It can only be thrown away and people will trample on it.

You are the light of the world. A city built on a mountain cannot be hidden.   No one lights a lamp and covers it; instead it is put on a lamp­stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house.   In the same way your light must shine before others, so that they may see the good you do and praise your Father in heaven.

 

Gospel Reflection：

Salt and light, two objects fairly common in Jesus’ time. He uses them to drive a point. His disciples should be, like salt, enhance the flavor of good that is present in the world structure, preserve it and cleanse the world of the dirt brought about by sin. Three functions that salt performs.

They must also be light. By a life of witness, they ought to seduce others to love the God that they love and serve. And so, the challenge of Jesus to His followers remain today. Be salt and light of the world.