A Message from Fr. Jay
Dear Friends,
One of the amazing things we can be proud of in our American society, is that after retirement, most people are involved with volunteering for organizations, communities, institutions, facilities etc., They surely display the continuous actions of being salt and light to the world. In the gospel, Jesus refers to the people who follow him up to the mountain to listen to His sermon on the mount as, ‘you are the salt of the earth, and you are the light of the world’. Being and becoming salt and light is an important element of His discipleship.
In the second reading, Paul explains how he became the salt and light by accepting his weakness openly and by acknowledging the power of God in him. The real saltness is in Christ. If my wisdom and actions could lead someone to find God’s glory, then that is real light and real saltness. It might be very difficult to deny oneself and yet if done, that is what makes us real salt and light to the world.
Pierre Aguste Renoir, a famous French artist, developed severe rheumatoid arthritis in his latter days and he was straining every day to paint. One of his friends asked him why he would continue to hurt himself this way. Mr. Renoir replied, ‘pain will pass away but the beauty remains’ and he continued his painting. Being salt and light is not easy, but it is the beauty of Christian discipleship that brings glory to the heavenly Father!
This Sunday we observe World Marriage Day. As married couples, together, you are the salt and light of the world. Let your light shine upon your children and encourage them to be the salt and light to this world.
I am overwhelmed with your generosity towards our Church at the parish level (Capital Campaign) as well as the Diocesan level (CFA). It is with much gratitude and readiness that I serve this community joyfully!
God Bless,
Fr. Jay Raju
- Reading 1: Isaiah 58:7-10
- Reading 2: 1 Corinthians 2:1-5
- Gospel: Matthew 5: 13-16
