Say Yes

Jun 13: Memorial of Saint Anthony of Padua, Priest and Doctor of the Church

Okay, the first reading is a confusing one. It seems that St. Paul is using plays on words that just don’t translate well to English (or even Greek, apparently).

I try my best to make sense of it, but I am, after all, only an amateur theologian.

Reading 1

2 Cor 1:18-22

Brothers and sisters: As God is faithful, our word to you is not "yes" and "no." For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was proclaimed to you by us, Silvanus and Timothy and me, was not "yes" and "no," but "yes" has been in him. For however many are the promises of God, their Yes is in him; therefore, the Amen from us also goes through him to God for glory. But the one who gives us security with you in Christ and who anointed us is God; he has also put his seal upon us and given the Spirit in our hearts as a first installment.

Humans change their minds, even after saying “yes” or “no.” But it’s not that way with God. When He says “yes,” it’s eternal.

Paul, a small businessman,¹ offers some analogies to commerce. The Holy Spirit, in baptism, is the “first installment,” or down payment. And God is the security that Jesus is, in fact, the Christ.

It’s a deal we should say yes to.

Responsorial Psalm

Ps 119:129, 130, 131, 132, 133, 135

R. Lord, let your face shine on me.
Wonderful are your decrees;
therefore I observe them.
R. Lord, let your face shine on me.
The revelation of your words sheds light,
gives understanding to the simple.
R. Lord, let your face shine on me.
I gasp with open mouth
in my yearning for your commands.
R. Lord, let your face shine on me.
Turn to me in pity
as you turn to those who love your name.
R. Lord, let your face shine on me.
Steady my footsteps according to your promise,
and let no iniquity rule over me.
R. Lord, let your face shine on me.
Let your countenance shine upon your servant,
and teach me your statutes.
R. Lord, let your face shine on me.

God is a light that helps us see the world. Jesus wants us to be adopted sons and daughters of God, so guess what that makes us?

Alleluia

Mt 5:16

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Let your light shine before others
that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

God’s word shed light, according to the Psalmist. Here, Jesus commands us to shine a light, as well, pointing toward God’s.

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."

If you live in a cold part of the country, the first metaphor makes sense. If you can’t use the salt to season your food, what good is it? For melting ice!²

I think most people get the whole “put your lamp on a lampstand” thing. Jesus doesn’t want us to be quiet about our faith. He wants us to live our lives in such a way that others will see, and in seeing us, see God.

Which does call to mind the classic line from St. Francis of Assisi—

1. A tentmaker, specifically.

2. Yes, there were parts of Judea that got cold enough to form ice on walkways.