Salted

Greetings on this the Thursday of the Seventh Week in Ordinary Time
Readings: Jas 5:1-6; Ps 49:14-15ab, 15cd-16, 17-18, 19-20; Mk 9:41-50

Reflection

Salt is an ancient sign of friendship, shared and given. To be ‘salted” is to be respected, honored and given a gift of great value. In our gospel portion today Jesus reassures us we ALL will be Salted with Fire. Salted in respect, honor and gift. Salted with the Fire of God’s love. When we combine the first reading warning to the rich with the warning of Jesus about insipid salt we can have perfect awareness of the risk of denying our responsibility. The Lord, our God, provides the salt of love. We must maintain the taste and flavor of that Love. And then share the blessed saltedness of love.

Personal Reflection

I’d be lying if I said all this is easy. Saint Francis of Assisi gave us an ultimate example of such giving.

“Francis! Everything you have loved and desired in the flesh it is your duty to despise and hate, if you wish to know my will. And when you have begun this, all that now seems sweet and lovely to you will become intolerable and bitter, but all that you used to avoid will turn itself to great sweetness and exceeding joy.” (Francis heard this in prayer. From Franciscan Media).

I think everyone questions their ability to make that jump!
But Francis gave us an pathway, step-by-step.

“Start by doing what is necessary, then what is possible, and suddenly you are doing the impossible.” – Saint Francis of Assisi.

First Reading

Warning to the Rich.

You have stored up treasure for the last days. Behold, the wages you withheld from the workers who harvested your fields are crying aloud; and the cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord of hosts. You have lived on earth in luxury and pleasure; you have fattened your hearts for the day of slaughter. You have condemned; you have murdered the righteous one; he offers you no resistance.

Responsorial

Blessed are the poor in spirit; the Kingdom of heaven is theirs!

Gospel Acclamation

Receive the word of God, not as the word of men, but as it truly is, the word of God.

Gospel

The Simile of Salt.

“Everyone will be salted with fire. Salt is good, but if salt becomes insipid, with what will you restore its flavor? Keep salt in yourselves and you will have peace with one another.”

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry