Keep our taste and illuminate

Friar Jude Winkler concludes his reflection today of the texts in the Roman Catholic Lectionary reminding that it is not about us. The passage from the Book of Kings tells of the survival of Elijah during the drought which came upon the Israelites as a consequence of praying to false gods of fertility. He cites a rabbinic maxim “as the sin so also the punishment”. If it is not about us, Elijah here is being sustained to bring a message to Israel about the concern of God for all people, even pagans and that the people of God are all around us even where we least expect to find them. Special knowledge in Scripture or Liturgy may deceive us into thinking that we are better actors in the Divine drama than others. Mark Latta sees the direct message in the Gospel from Matthew today that we are meant to be salt and light in the world. Friar Jude interprets the salt as bringing flavour to the world with vitality, enthusiasm and Pope Francis might add joy. The Christian who has the answers for what others can do may be salt that has lost its taste (Matt 5:13). Mark Latta concludes by noting that we bear light to the world in our words and deeds. He writes “We shine a light, not for our own sake or for selfish recognition but so that those who look on might see the glory of the Father in heaven”