On the other hand, reason tells the soul how mistaken it is in thinking that all these earthly things are of the slightest value by comparison with what it is seeking; faith instructs it in what it must do to find satisfaction; memory shows it how all these things come to an end, and reminds it that those who have derived so much enjoyment from the things which it has seen have died.
- Teresa of Avila, Interior Castle -
(Faith points our human consciousness and its faculties heavenward. Notice how this works for you, and what distorts this perspective.)
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2 Cor 1:18-22; Psalm 119:129, 130, 131, 132, 133, 135
Mt 5:13-16
Jesus said to his disciples:
“You are the salt of the earth.
But if salt loses its taste, with what can it be seasoned?
It is no longer good for anything
but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.
You are the light of the world.
A city set on a mountain cannot be hidden.
Nor do they light a lamp and then put it under a bushel basket;
it is set on a lampstand,
where it gives light to all in the house.
Just so, your light must shine before others,
that they may see your good deeds
and glorify your heavenly Father.”
Reflection on the Scriptures
The Gospel today speaks of our role as salt and light. These two elements are known to enhance and influence what they encounter. How have we, as children of God, enhanced the well-being of those around us? How have we been a positive influence in our homes, our communities, in our world? How have we been the light which illuminates the word of God? Have we been the light that
raised others out of darkness? Have we spoken of the goodness of those around us so we might enhance and illuminate their presence, unique style, and flavor?
. . . My friends, we have been called to be a positive influence on those around us. We have been called to be enhancing agents of the goodness in the world, which seems hidden sometimes. We have been called to be a force for positive change, witness, and light which illuminates the word of God. So, let us set ourselves on spiritual lampstands and shine brightly for the glory of God. It is our role
as Church.
- by Vivian Amu
The Son of God Became Human
From The Catechism of the Catholic Church
Part One, Section Two, Chapter Three
Article 8: I Believe in the Holy Spirit
II. THE NAME, TITLE, AND SYMBOLS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
Symbols of the Holy Spirit
698 The seal is a symbol close to that of anointing. "The Father has set his seal" on Christ and also seals us in him.50 Because this seal indicates the indelible effect of the anointing with the Holy Spirit in the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Orders, the image of the seal (sphragis) has been used in some theological traditions to express the indelible "character" imprinted by these
three unrepeatable sacraments.
(Footnote references in the Catechism.)
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