As disciples, we are salt, bringing the glorious flavor of Life with God to all the Earth, and we are Light, shining His glorious presence over all the Earth.
We do this by serving those who are in need, deeds that please God and makes His presence known. By living in justice, we shine the Light of God's presence in a world of darkness and gloom. And in so doing, we proclaim the power of the Cross of Christ, by which God has brought deliverance to the world.
On a historical note, I recognize that February 6 falls the day after this Sunday. February 6 is the the Statehood Day of Massachusetts whose capital city Boston was founded by John Winthrop to be a "city on a hill". He had a powerful, God-inspired vision that this place and its people would set an example of holiness for all the world, just as God's people are called to do.
On a personal note, this weekend, I attended Mass at St. Teresa's in Valparaiso, IN, which was my opportunity to meet the new pastor, Fr. Chris, for the first time. St. Paul's words in the 2nd reading about coming "in weakness...fear and much trembling" speak to my experience of arriving at Valparaiso University as a freshman nearly 7 1/2 years ago, agonizing over the reality of being away from home. But the day after I moved in, I experienced God's presence in a powerful new way when I went to Mass for the first time at St. Teresa's. That day, and all days since, the community of St. Teresa's has boldly proclaimed the message of the Cross through the Christian living they demonstrate in serving the students and others in the community in His Name. They are ultimately faithful to the Lord by doing that which glorifies Him, which is our call as His people.
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