Homily
5th Sunday of Ordinary Time AII
8 February 2025
AMDG
Am I lightly salted?
I got away for a couple of days this week. Two conversations stood out. Both were about the church and money. One was an Uber driver, the other a good friend. Both of them had the impression that the Catholic Church hoards lots of money. I tried to dissuade them, but noted that for them this is what the church is most known for.
What do I want the church to be known for? Whatever it is, I have to become this myself, for I am a living stone on the church and so are you. As much as I'd like to complain about others in the church, the reality is that I need to be the change that I want to see.
Jesus gives me no other option. You are the salt of the earth. You are the light of the world. So what would others say about your Christian faith? Are you lightly salted?
Salt and light don't exist for themselves. They exist to enhance something else. Salt and light are reminders to me that my true life exists in gift form. Whoever hoards this gift loses it, and whoever loses the gift saves it for eternal life.
St. Paul and the psalmist talk about the foolishness of lavishly giving to the poor. Yet this is what reflects the glory of God, who always gives more than is required and deserved. This is the foolishness of the cross, which is the wisdom and power and glory of God.
If salt doesn't enhance the flavor of other food it is worthless. If light fails to reveal something hidden, it is worthless. In the same way, if you're a hoarder, you're worthless. If the Church is known for hoarding, it is worthless.
The most powerful and wise thing you can do is to give your life to enhance others, especially those who can't pay you back.
If you do this, you are wise and powerful. You are salt and light. You are what the Church is meant to be known for. You reflect the glory of God.
Are you known for being lightly salted?
+mj
