Let us continue to meditate on the norms of life of the Gospel and try our best to practise them
1. “You are the light of the world. A city built on the hill-top cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp to put it under the tub; he puts it on the lamp-stand where it shines for everyone in the house. In the same way, your light must shine in the sight of men, so that, seeing your good works, they may give the praie to your Father in heaven” (Mt 5:14-16).
EXPLANATION. We are the light of the world if we live according to the Gospel.
EXAMPLE OF LIFE: Saint Francis of Assisi was called “the living Gospel”. Anyone on seeing him could feel the presence of God in him.
Many people were led to faith through him. He is still a shining star for those who get to know his beaviour.
EXHORTATION: Saint Paul invites us to imitate Christ and be clothed with his spirit, which is the spirit of the Gospel, practised to the last detail.Actually Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta ordered her sisters to practise the Gospel to the last detail. Therefore they have become very famous and highly esteemed all over the world.. They are the living Christ among the poorest of the poor, whom they care with great love.
B)”You are the light of the world . A city built on the hill-top cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp top ut it under the tub; he puts it on the lamp-stand where it shines for everyone in the house4. In the same way, your light must shine in the sight of men, so that, seeing your good works, they may give the praie to your Father in heaven”(Mt 5:14-16).
EXPLANATION: We become the light of the world whenever we do charitable works. Jesus said, “I am the light of the world” through his teachings and actions, showing true love to all. Saint John says, “God is charity” (1 Jn 4:16).So, we should do the same.
EXAMPLE OF LIFE: Mr Chau told me that his son, a Protestant, asked him, “Dad, would people recognize you as a Catholic, if they do not see you going to the church for Mass?” “Yes”-he answered-“ Quite a number of people discovered that I am a Catholic because of my behaviour, especially when they see me caring so much for the needy”. Jesus said, “ If you love one another, people will recognize you as my disciples” (Jn 13:35)..
EXHORTATION: Charity should be the characteristic of Christ’s followers.
Let no day pass without an act of charity, either by helping others , either by praying for others. This is what Jesus told Saint Faustina Kowalska to do.
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C)”I tell you, if your virtue is not deeper than that of the Scribes and the Pharisees, you will never get into the kingdom of heaven” (Mt 5:20).
EXPLANATION: The behaviour of the scribes and of the Pharisees was apparently very good, but actually very bad. They were proud and greedy. They observed a lot of norms to show that they were better than others and so to obtain admiration and praie from people. They found also several way to squeeze money from the poor widows. Jesus uncovered their hypocrisy with strong words, such as these, “Alas for you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You who shut the kingdom of heaven in men’s faces, neither going in yurselves nor allowing others to go in who want to” (Mt 23:13). If we are like the scribes and the Pharisees will never belong to the kingdom of God.
EXAMPLE OF LIFE: Let us read the parable of the of the Pharisee and the Publican. They went to the Temple of Jerusalem to pray. The Pharisee admitted no fault and even boasted for his merits, despising the Publican who considered himself to be a sinner. The Lord liked the publican and granted his petitions.
EXHORTATION: We should avoid all kinds of pride and greed, if we want to enter into the kingodm of God. Jesus tells us to do good in secret, not aiming ad men’s admiration and praises, otherwise we will get no reward from the heavenly Father.
PRAYER TO OBTAIN THE GRACE OF PRACTISING THIS TEACHING OF JESUS
Lord Jesus, make me become the light of the world by what I do and what I say. Make me show to others the spirit of Christ abiding in me by doing what Christ did or will do in my place.
Lord Jesus, make me do always what is pleasing to you , regardless of what people will think of me. Make me become your true witness among men now and forever.
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