Mass Readings and Catholic Daily Reflections Tuesday June 7 2022
Mass Readings and Catholic Daily Reflection
Tuesday June 7, 2022
Tuesday of the Tenth Week in Ordinary Time
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. Lord, let your face shine on us.
1. 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?
2. 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.
3. O LORD, let the light of your countenance shine upon us! You put gladness into my heart, more than when grain and wine abound.
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.
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.”
Catholic Daily Reflections Tuesday June 7 2022
Today Jesus coins a phrase that we continue to use today. He tells his disciples: “You are the ‘salt of the earth.’” Take a moment and ask yourself: What does this phrase mean to me? What is my understanding of the phrase “the salt of the earth?” What characteristics do you think a person who is “the salt of the earth” would possess?
Down to earth? Practical? Sensible? Caring? Most likely all of us are “salt of the earth” in a variety of ways. However, Jesus then adds that if we lose our saltiness, we also will lose our flavor and then we will not be good for anything! Jesus also tells his disciples: “You are the light of the world.” This is a powerful, and yet perhaps an intimidating, statement.
Light is essential in so many ways. Plants will not grow without light. Light enables us to see clearly. If we do not have light, we may stumble and struggle through life. If we take Jesus’ words seriously, we need to share our “light” with everyone we encounter.
As yourself: Do you consider yourself “the light of the world?” If you answer yes, how do you strive to share your light? What are the gifts of light you share with others: a smile, a kind act, noticing someone who needs some help or encouragement, reaching out to someone who is lonely, sitting with a friend who is ill, or simply sharing a flower or fresh tomato from your garden?
These are small acts but they are filled with light! Now, let’s shift the focus. What are the arenas of your life where your light may be dim or perhaps extinguished? What is the cause of the loss of light? Do you sense any glimmer of light beginning to shine in this arena of your life? How do you experience God in this situation? Our light is not our creation.
God chose to make us creatures of light. Our light is not our light, rather it is a share of God’s light. Our light is meant to be shared, not hoarded. Our light has been given to us to share with our family, friends, the strangers we meet, and our world. Today may you consciously and generously let your light shine! Our world is in desperate need of light.
There is a tremendous amount of darkness, pain, tragedy, loneliness, and sadness in our world. Today and every day, the world needs your light and my light. Together we can fill the world with God’s light and love!
