Gospel Reading: Matthew 5:13-16
We hear it often: " Let your light shine! (Matthew 5:16) Bring God's light to the world!" But what about when there is little light, and our wick is smoldering? (Isaiah 42:3) What happens when we fear that the salt has lost its taste?
When we ask, Lord, am I no longer good for anything but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot? When we think, there's so much darkness, I've gotten used to it. It's more comfortable than the light. (John 3:19–20)
However, we know that lavishly, he gives to the poor. (Psalm 112:9) Lavish comes from the word "laver," meaning "to wash." Pray to Him with courage, wash me Lord from my guilt, and cleanse me from my sinfulness. (Psalm 51:2)
Wash me Lord, in the torrent of your grace! Let me turn my face to you and be filled with your radiant light! Let your light break forth like the dawn. (Isaiah 58:8) As I seek to live as you lived, let these actions bring healing to my woundedness, so that I may go forth with you, not hiding under a basket, but walking with a heart that is firm and trusting. With a flame that is unshaken by the wind. With a heart that is gracious and merciful and just.
Lord, help me pour forth my love lavishly, extravagantly, without limit, in simple but real good deeds, so that those who see them, those who know me, might glorify your name! Come Holy Spirit, enkindle in me the fire of your love. Amen.
