R. Alleluia, alleluia.
I am the light of the world, says the Lord;
whoever follows me will have the light of life.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

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.”

Last week when we prayed the Sprinkling Rite with blessed Holy Water at the beginning of the Mass, we also put in the blessed water a pinch of blessed salt to assure us that the blessed water be free of all impurities and cleanse us of our sins.  

God told the Prophet Elijah to cast salt into water so that impure water may be purified. It is a sign for us all to see and experience the importance of salt which cleanses us and keeps us free of all that is toxic, even the demons within, and make present instead the Holy Spirit. In short, blessed salt in blessed water echoes the Words of our Lord, “You are the salt of the earth.”   

Even on February 2, the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, when Joseph and Mary presented in the Temple Jesus in accord with the Law, the Church takes the candles of the Church and blessed them for the use of the Church worship for the whole liturgical year as on February 2 we see in the Temple the child Jesus who is the Light of the World. And I blessed the candles everywhere — downstairs, upstairs, Church cupboards.  I believe the blessing of the Church candles makes the words of Christ come alive when He tell us, “You are the light of the world, let your light shine before all.” It echoes today’s Gospel.  

“You are the salt of earth and the light to the world,” is not just a suggestion by our Lord, but rather a command from Him to you.  It is essential, and you are to make a difference.  You may even need to go to Confession to renew yourself and get a fresh start. Whatever it takes. If you are not the salt of the earth for Him — if you are not the light — then you are insipid and good for nothing — you are darkness.  

Lord, help us. Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, St. Anthony help us to be a part of that salt that cleanses the world, part of that light that dispels the darkness of the world. O Jesus in this Holy Mass help us.  

Monsignor Michael J. Cariglio, Jr., Pastor, Our Lady of Mount Carmel Basilica – Saint Anthony Parish

Thus says the LORD:
Share your bread with the hungry,
shelter the oppressed and the homeless;
clothe the naked when you see them,
and do not turn your back on your own.
Then your light shall break forth like the dawn,
and your wound shall quickly be healed;
your vindication shall go before you,
and the glory of the LORD shall be your rear guard.
Then you shall call, and the LORD will answer,
you shall cry for help, and he will say: Here I am!
If you remove from your midst
oppression, false accusation and malicious speech;
if you bestow your bread on the hungry
and satisfy the afflicted;
then light shall rise for you in the darkness,
and the gloom shall become for you like midday.

R. (4a) The just man is a light in darkness to the upright.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Light shines through the darkness for the upright;
he is gracious and merciful and just.
Well for the man who is gracious and lends,
who conducts his affairs with justice.
R. The just man is a light in darkness to the upright.
or:
R. Alleluia.
He shall never be moved;
the just one shall be in everlasting remembrance.
An evil report he shall not fear;
his heart is firm, trusting in the LORD.
R. The just man is a light in darkness to the upright.
or:
R. Alleluia.
His heart is steadfast; he shall not fear.
Lavishly he gives to the poor;
His justice shall endure forever;
his horn shall be exalted in glory.
R. The just man is a light in darkness to the upright.
or:
R. Alleluia.

When I came to you, brothers and sisters,
proclaiming the mystery of God,
I did not come with sublimity of words or of wisdom.
For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you
except Jesus Christ, and him crucified.
I came to you in weakness and fear and much trembling,
and my message and my proclamation
were not with persuasive words of wisdom,
but with a demonstration of Spirit and power,
so that your faith might rest not on human wisdom
but on the power of God.

It has long been a Catholic understanding that when circumstances prevent one from receiving Holy Communion, it is possible to make an Act of Spiritual Communion, which is a source of grace. Spiritual Communion is an ardent desire to receive Jesus in the Most Holy Sacrament and lovingly embrace him at a time or in circumstances when one cannot receive Him in sacramental Communion. The most common reason for making an Act of Spiritual Communion is when a person cannot attend Mass. Acts of Spiritual Communion increase our desire to receive sacramental Communion and help us avoid the sins that would make us unable to receive Holy Communion worthily.

Spiritual Communion Prayer

My Jesus, I believe that you are present in the Most Holy Sacrament.

I love you above all things and I desire to receive you in my soul.

Since I cannot at this moment receive you sacramentally,

Come at least spiritually into my heart.

I embrace you as if you were already there

And unite myself wholly to you.

Never permit me to be separated from you.

Amen.