Isaiah 58:7-10 - 1 Corinthians 2:1-5 - Matthew 5:13-16
Today’s readings are part pep talk and part marching orders for us Christian stewards. They offer wonderfully clear guidance on what matters most to God in the way we prioritize our lives and the way He intends for us to use the gifts He has given us.
The first reading, from the prophet Isaiah, gives us very straightforward instructions: “Thus says the Lord: Share your bread with the hungry, shelter the oppressed and the homeless; clothe the naked when you see them, and do not turn your back on your own.” The Lord gives no wiggle room here — care for our brothers and sisters in need is a “must do” for the Christian steward.
But note how generous our God is to us when we do these things. “Then your light shall break forth like the dawn and your wound shall quickly be healed.” The more we give ourselves away the more we will find ourselves, and “light shall rise” for us in the form of more of God’s grace in our lives and more joy and peace in our hearts.
Our Gospel passage, from Matthew sends us out on our stewardship way with a bang as Jesus declares to us, His disciples, that we are the “salt of the earth” and the “light of the world.” But, He adds, salt no longer gives flavor if allowed to go stale — light cannot bring its blessed brightness if left hidden. Therefore, we must act! We must live our lives so that others will see the things that we do — the ways that we serve others, care for the vulnerable, prioritize our family relationships and above all, our love for God — and then give Him glory.
This is the stewardship way of life. Let’s give it our all!
The general obligation to attend Mass on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation (including the Vigil Mass at 4:00 pm or later on the previous day) is to be reinstated in the Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee, effective Saturday, June 19, 2021.
Considering the necessity of being physically present with our brothers and sisters at Mass on Sunday and Holy Days of Obligation for the Eucharist, Bishop Wack asks Catholics to make a sincere judgment about whether or not these circumstances apply. If there is doubt or confusion, consult your parish pastor for clarity.
While the general dispensation is removed, there are specific instances where the dispensation will continue. One does not have an obligation to attend Mass on Sunday in the following circumstances:
You are ill, or your health condition would be significantly compromised if you were to contract an infectious illness (i.e., you have underlying conditions or are in a high-risk category). Please use the dispensation and do not attend Mass.
You exhibit flu-like symptoms. Please use the dispensation and do not attend Mass.
You have good reason to think you might be asymptomatic of a contagious illness (e.g., you were in recent contact with someone who tested positive for a contagious illness such as COVID or influenza). Please use the dispensation and do not attend Mass.
You care for the sick, homebound, or infirmed.
You are pregnant.
You cannot attend Mass through no fault of your own (e.g., no Mass is offered, you are infirmed, or, while wanting to go, you are prevented for some reason you cannot control (e.g., your ride did not show up, the church was at capacity).
If you have significant and reasonable fear or anxiety of becoming ill by being at Mass.