Shining with God’s Yes: A Call to Be Salt and Light

June 13, 2025 | Catholic Reflection

Today’s Scripture readings beautifully interweave a message of divine faithfulness and human purpose, urging the faithful to live boldly in Christ and radiate His light through good works.

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First Reading: God’s Promises Are Always “Yes”

(2 Corinthians 1:18-22)

In his second letter to the Corinthians, St. Paul affirms the unwavering fidelity of God and the integrity of the Gospel message. Unlike human indecision marked by “yes and no,” Paul emphasizes that Jesus Christ is always the definitive “Yes” to all of God’s promises.

Paul reminds the community that this “Yes” is not abstract—it is personal and incarnate in Christ, proclaimed by Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy. Through Jesus, the faithful respond with a resounding “Amen”, giving glory to God.

He further reassures believers that it is God who:

• Gives us security in Christ,
• Anoints us,
• Seals us with His approval,
• And places the Spirit in our hearts as the first installment of eternal life.

This reading challenges us to root our faith not in fleeting assurances but in the unshakable trust that God’s word is truth, and His promises are already fulfilled in Christ.

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Responsorial Psalm: A Soul Thirsting for God’s Light

(Psalm 119)

With heartfelt reverence, the psalmist declares:
“Lord, let your face shine on me.”

This psalm is a meditation on God’s Word—His statutes, commands, and promises. Each verse expresses a deep yearning to live by divine truth:

• “I gasp with open mouth” – a powerful image of spiritual hunger,
• “Steady my footsteps” – a prayer for moral clarity,
• “Let no iniquity rule over me” – a plea for liberation from sin.

The repetition of the refrain underscores our longing to be enveloped in God’s luminous presence.

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Alleluia Acclamation

(Matthew 5:16)

“Let your light shine before others,” Jesus teaches, “that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father.” This verse prepares us for a Gospel that is not just about faith—but about action.

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Gospel: Salt of the Earth, Light of the World

(Matthew 5:13–16)

In this compelling passage from the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus uses two vivid metaphors to describe the Christian mission:

• Salt of the earth: A preservative and a flavor enhancer, salt symbolizes the Christian’s role in preserving truth and bringing zest to a world in moral decline. If salt loses its distinctiveness, it becomes useless—a warning for lukewarm discipleship.
• Light of the world: Light dispels darkness and reveals truth. Jesus insists that our faith cannot be hidden. Like a city on a mountain or a lamp on a stand, our good works must shine for all to see—not for self-glorification, but so that God is glorified through our witness.

This Gospel passage is both a compliment and a commission. Christ declares who we are—salt and light—but also commands how we should live—with courage, visibility, and purpose.

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Reflection and Insight

Today’s liturgy draws a powerful connection between belief and witness.
God has already said “Yes” to us in Christ. Now, through the Spirit, He empowers us to say “Yes” in return—with our lives.

In a world that often wanders in ambiguity and shadows, Christians are called to clarity and light. Let us live boldly, speak truthfully, and act compassionately—so that others, seeing our light, may come to know and glorify our Heavenly Father.