MATTHEW 5:13–16 THE HEART THAT SHINES

Year A, Tuesday of the 10th Week in Ordinary Time

As we continue our journey toward the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, today's Gospel invites us to reflect on how the love of Christ is meant to shine through our lives. In today’s Gospel Jesus tells His disciples, "You are the salt of the earth" and "You are the light of the world." 

Notice that He does not say, "Try to become light" or "Work hard to become salt." He says, "You are." Through our baptism, we have already been touched by the love of Christ and called to reflect that love to others.

This is exactly what the Sacred Heart of Jesus does. The Heart of Jesus is not closed in on itself. It radiates love, mercy, compassion, and hope. Everyone who encountered Jesus experienced something of that light. The broken found healing. The sinner found forgiveness. The discouraged found hope.

The question is whether that same light can be seen in us. Many people today carry heavy burdens. Some are lonely. Some are anxious about the future. Some feel forgotten or unloved. Often, the greatest gift we can give is not advice or solutions but simple kindness, patience, and presence.

A welcoming smile, a listening ear, a word of encouragement, a willingness to forgive—these may seem like small things, but they can bring Christ's light into someone's darkness. The world does not need more noise. It needs more witnesses. It needs people whose lives quietly reflect the Heart of Jesus.

As our nation prepares to be consecrated to the Sacred Heart, we are reminded that devotion is not only about prayers and images. It is about allowing the love of Christ to shine through us every day.

The Sacred Heart shines. The question is: Does His light shine through me?

Question to ponder today: Who in my life needs a little more of Christ's light today, and how can I bring it to them?

With Love and Prayers

Your Co-Traveler

Father Leo