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Have you ever felt dissatisfied and unfulfilled with your life? Do you ever feel as if you are missing out on something important or falling just short of some goal or purpose? Maybe you are unable to put adequate words to this feeling, you just know there is something out of balance in your life—something lacking.
We sometimes experience this as a vague feeling of uneasiness, at other times as a major emotional challenge. At still other times we may not notice it at all, but it is likely hiding just below the surface.
There is no doubt that we live in a time that has produced an unprecedented, high number of self-help gurus and their books, magazines, centers and offices.
Why?
I believe the answer can be found in today’s scripture readings at Mass for the Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year A).
In the Gospel reading from Matthew, Jesus tells his apostles—and us—that we are the salt of the earth.
Each of us, by virtue of our baptism, is incorporated into the Body of Christ and “share in the priesthood of Christ, in his prophetic and royal mission” (Catechism of the Catholic Church 1268).
Jesus also teaches us that we are the light of the world.
In the context of the Gospel passage, these two sayings are both a warning and an encouragement to us all. This is the life to which we who have said yes to Christ have been called. It is both a great responsibility and a great blessing.
Continued below.
We sometimes experience this as a vague feeling of uneasiness, at other times as a major emotional challenge. At still other times we may not notice it at all, but it is likely hiding just below the surface.
There is no doubt that we live in a time that has produced an unprecedented, high number of self-help gurus and their books, magazines, centers and offices.
Why?
I believe the answer can be found in today’s scripture readings at Mass for the Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year A).
In the Gospel reading from Matthew, Jesus tells his apostles—and us—that we are the salt of the earth.
Yes, Jesus was speaking to his disciples, particularly his apostles who would soon shoulder great responsibilities in the early life of the Church, but he was also addressing those of us who would follow.
Each of us, by virtue of our baptism, is incorporated into the Body of Christ and “share in the priesthood of Christ, in his prophetic and royal mission” (Catechism of the Catholic Church 1268).
Jesus also teaches us that we are the light of the world.
It is clear that Jesus see us—and common sense tells us—that unbelievers will judge the Christian faith by the lived example of those who claim to be Christian.
In the context of the Gospel passage, these two sayings are both a warning and an encouragement to us all. This is the life to which we who have said yes to Christ have been called. It is both a great responsibility and a great blessing.
WHAT PRACTICAL QUESTIONS SHOULD WE ASK OURSELVES TODAY?
Continued below.
The Secret to Living a Fulfilling Life
Have you ever felt dissatisfied and unfulfilled with your life? Do you ever feel as if you are missing out on something important or falling just short of some goal or purpose? Maybe you are unable to put adequate words to this feeling, you just know there is something out of balance in your...
integratedcatholiclife.org
