Called To Be Salt & Light

Dear Friends in Christ,

            In this Sunday’s Gospel, which is a continuation of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus calls us to put our faith into action.  He does so in two specific ways, using the tangible reality of salt in an intangible way, and the intangible reality of light in a tangible way.  While salt is used to enhance the flavor of food, we are called to enhance the culture in which we live through our cooperation with God’s grace as disciples of Jesus Christ.  This flavoring is the work of the Holy Spirit within us, which is an intangible reality.  Conversely, Jesus uses the immaterial reality of light to make the point that, “your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father.”  (Matt. 5:16) The light within us is once again the Holy Spirit, in cooperation with our soul.  While both realities are invisible to the naked eye, the light of the Holy Spirit and a soul in the state of grace shines light on our good deeds, which are meritorious in the eyes of God the Father and tangible manifestations of our faith.

            This is commitment weekend for the Annual Appeal for Catholic Ministries.  This year’s theme: “Lift up Your Heart- United in Hope and Service,” provides us with the perfect opportunity to be salt and light as members of the Archdiocese of Baltimore.  This requires both the immaterial attitude of gratitude, which flows from the heart, but also the material witness of good works.  By supporting the Annual Appeal, either through a recurring gift over the coming months or a one-time gift, we are supporting over 100 ministries throughout the Archdiocese of Baltimore.  I encourage you to join me in supporting this year’s Annual Appeal and helping us reach our parish goal of $129,294.  

            Of course, like all of Jesus’ teaching, there is also a warning contained within.  If salt loses its taste, it is good for nothing, and if light is obscured, it cannot illuminate good deeds.  So, let us heed our Lord’s warning by cultivating our personal relationship with Him and His Church, the Mystical Body of Christ, through a life of prayer, grace, and good works, as we put our faith into action. Thank you for your support of this year’s Annual Appeal for Catholic Ministries and for joining me in filling-out a pledge envelope this weekend. 

In Christ,