Tuesday 7 June 2022

Today is Tuesday the 7th June, in the 10th week of Ordinary Time.

Salt of the Sound sings, ‘Jesus, Keep Me Near The Cross’. Do you feel close to the cross as you begin praying today? Talk to the Lord about this as you enter into His presence now.
Jesus, keep me near the cross
There a precious fountain
Free to all, a healing stream
Flows from Calvary's mountain
In the cross, in the cross
Be my glory ever
'Til at last soul shall find
Rest beyond the river
Near the cross, O Lamb of God
Bring its scenes before me
Help me walk from day to day
With its shadow o'er me
In the cross, in the cross
Be my glory ever
'Til at last soul shall find
Rest beyond the river
Near the cross I'll watch and wait
Hoping, trusting ever
Till I reach the golden strand
Just beyond the river
In the cross, in the cross
Be my glory ever
'Til at last my soul shall find
Rest beyond the river
In the cross, in the cross
Be my glory ever
'Til at last my soul shall find
Rest beyond the river


Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Matthew.
Matthew 5:13-16
‘You are the salt of the earth; but if salt has lost its taste, how can its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything, but is thrown out and trampled under foot.
‘You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hidden. No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.

In this passage, Jesus talks about two very ordinary aspects of life. Salt is not just a 'spice' but is necessary for life. But salt has a quality to it that can be spoilt. Listening to this passage today, consider what the Lord is saying. How does this image speak to you?
And then, light. Whilst salt may be spoilt accidentally, who would put a light under a basket?
Why would a person hide themselves in this way? Reflecting upon this image – what thoughts stay with you?

As you listen to the passage again, imagine that Jesus is addressing you. How do you hear what he saying? What is your response?
As this prayer comes to an end, reflect on how this time has been… what has stayed with you or stood out to you? Talk to the Lord about this, in faith and trust.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.