Exchange

DAY'S SAINTS
Anthony of Padua, Franciscan,Doctor of the Church
Blessed Gerard of Clairvaux, Cistercian

Gospel 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."

Give me your heart in place of my own.

Do  not give up in despair, you have yet to be crucified, unless, of course, He has nailed you to your cross. While you struggle, continue to love Him with all the effort in your being, to demonstrate your love of Him, because He crucified you precisely for that purpose.

You will only get so many opportunities to show your love to Him before you are summoned to His side to account for your life. Be a good steward and invest all your trials into eternal life, an endless account from which only you and God can take anything.

He sees every moment of your life, and every impulse of your heart, so strive that they all be as perfect as your Lord, to answer every question decisively on the side of the Lord.

We have a heavenly country to which we belong and from which we can never be separated. We may be exiles on this earth, but God is everywhere, and all His holy blessings and affectionate longings for our love take place hidden in His Heart.

Was your heart pierced by the lance? The side of your Lord was, long before you were born, and He carried that wound like a shield awaiting your appearance on the scene, and defended you against all things that might harm your eternal existence. His wound was meant to enkindle your love so you might participate in its pain and bliss which exist together forever. Bow down to your brothers and sisters with that heart He has wounded so they too may catch fire in that eternal flame of love.