You are the light of the world … Your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly father. (Matthew 5)

After giving us the Beatitudes (last Sunday’s Gospel), Jesus teaches us that we are the light of the world and that we must let that light shine. As Catholics we are more inclined to “keep our good deeds secret”. But here Jesus reminds us that the world needs to see the good we do, to give others hope, and to glorify God. We hear so much bad news, and it seems that the bad news is what sells: “If it bleeds it leads”. But what we really need is good news. The Gospel as a whole is good news, and the word Gospel literally means “Good news”.

What are the good deeds we should be doing? The First Reading tells us “share your bread with the hungry, shelter the oppressed and the homeless.” These are things we can all do individually in various ways. These are also the things we are striving to do here at St. Catherine Labouré. I am joyfully amazed at all the people involved in various ways preparing for the Interfaith Homeless Shelter we will be hosting in March. It is a great tribute to our parish vitality.  We also have the Food Bank available to help those trying to make ends meet. Thanks to those involved in this ministry, and Laura, our Secretary, who is often the one who welcomes the people who need this assistance.

Right now our nation is going through some turmoil regarding how much we should be doing to help others vs. protecting our own borders and our people. Let us pray that the Lord will guide all involved in finding the right solutions.