Going to the outskirts<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n
Using two bold and surprising images, Jesus lets us know what to follow him means and what he expects from his followers.\u00a0 They must not live thinking always of their own interests, their own prestige or their own power.\u00a0 Although they are a small group in the vast Roman Empire, they have to be the \u201csalt\u201d that the earth needs and the \u201clight\u201d that should be in the world.<\/b><\/p>\n
\u201cYou are the salt of the earth.\u201d\u00a0 The simple people of Galilee spontaneously grasp Jesus\u2019 language.\u00a0 Everyone knows that salt is used, above all, to give flavor to food and to keep it from spoiling.\u00a0 In the same way, Jesus\u2019 disciples must contribute to people savoring life without succumbing to corruption.<\/b><\/p>\n
\u201cYou are the light of the world.\u201d\u00a0 Without the sun\u2019s light, the world stays dark and we will not be able to find our bearings nor can we enjoy life with darkness surrounding us.\u00a0 Jesus\u2019 disciples can be bearers of the light that we need to have a point of reference,<\/b> to understand deeply the ultimate meaning of life and to walk with hope.<\/p>\n
Both metaphors are in agreement with regard to something very important.\u00a0 If salt is left in a receptacle, it is of no use whatsoever.\u00a0 Only when it comes into contact with food and is dissolved in it, can salt give flavor to what we eat.\u00a0 The same thing happens with light.\u00a0 If it is enclosed and hidden, it cannot enlighten anyone.\u00a0 Only when it is placed where there is darkness can it illuminate and provide bearing.\u00a0 A Church isolated from the world can be neither salt nor light.<\/b><\/p>\n
Pope Francis has seen that the Church today lives locked up within itself, paralyzed by fears,<\/b> and too far removed from problems and sufferings to be able to give flavor to modern life and offer the true light of the Gospel.\u00a0 The Pope has responded quickly: \u00a0\u201cWe have to go to the outskirts.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Pope insists over and over: \u00a0\u201cI prefer a Church which is bruised, hurting and dirty because it has been out on the streets, rather than a Church which is unhealthy from being confined and from clinging to its own security. \u00a0I do not want a Church concerned with being at the center and which then ends by being caught up in a web of obsessions and procedures.\u201d<\/p>\n
Francis\u2019 call is addressed to all Christians:\u00a0 \u201cWe \u2018cannot passively and calmly wait in our church buildings\u2019.\u201d\u00a0 \u201cThe Gospel tells us constantly to run the risk of a face-to-face encounter with others.\u201d\u00a0 The Pope wants to introduce into the Church what he calls \u201cthe culture of encounter\u201d.\u00a0 He\u2019s convinced that \u201cthe thing the Church needs most today is the ability to heal wounds and to warm \u2026 hearts \u2026.\u201d<\/b><\/b><\/p>\n
Jos\u00e9 Antonio Pagola<\/b><\/p>\n
February 9, 2014
\n5 Ordinary Time (A)
\nMatthew 5, 13-16<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"