Tuesday June 9th: Passions and Senses

Give glory to your Father who is in heaven by living a grace-filled life

Matthew 5:13-16

In this gospel, referencing salt and light, Jesus is addressing two critical areas each Christian is expected to master: the appetite and the senses. Salt represents the appetites or passions of man; and light, seen by the eyes, stands for the senses. In Sacred Scripture and the lives of the saints, we who wish to follow Christ are told we must crucify ourselves and subdue our passions.

This mandate goes beyond individualism. It is through the example of this Christian life that souls are drawn not to us, but to God. A well-ordered and temperate life gains the attention of the onlookers because grace is present and pierces the heart of every man and woman, such is its power.

At sports practice and competitions, my sons witness to their faith through good sportsmanship and a sign of the cross. This has touched many onlookers who attribute their success in the sport to God; many of whom are non-Christians.

Father, may you be glorified throughout the earth by our grace-filled lives. Amen.