Opening Prayer
God of faith,
You ask us to live our lives as Jesus did.
May we answer Your call to serve others with open and loving hearts.
We ask this prayer through Your Son, Jesus Christ.
Amen
Scripture
A Reading from the Gospel according to Matthew:
‘You are the salt of the earth; but if salt has lost its taste, how can its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything, but is thrown out and trampled under foot. ‘You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hidden. No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lamp stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.
The Gospel of the Lord
Response: Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ
Reflection
Jesus tells his disciples they are to be “salt” and “light.” Salt that cannot be tasted is good for nothing. A hidden lamp gives no light. The followers of Christ are to give flavour, light and colour to the world. Both metaphors point to one teaching: the faith we treasure in our hearts must be visible to all. Only if we express our faith in “good deeds” will we leave others to give glory to God. A faith that is not expressed in actions is a hidden lamp, salt without savour. We are called through our work in Catholic education to encourage our students to be salt and light. May we through our work, bring out the light in our students and to help them to shine before the world.
Let us pray together…
Loving God,
We have answered your call in so many ways.
Help us to continue to grow in your love.
Help us to always see you in the goodness of your creation.
May every step we take lead us to you.
Help us to live up to our responsibilities to be salt and light
and to help you in the building of the Civilization of Love.
We make this prayer in the name of Jesus.
Amen
Liturgy from Living in Hope, Grounded in Faith
Tyler Iorio 