GOSPEL: Matthew 5:13-16
'You are salt for the earth. But if salt loses its taste, what can make it salty again? It is good for nothing, and can only be thrown out to be trampled under people's feet. 'You are light for the world. A city built on a hill-top cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp to put it under a tub; they put it on the lamp-stand where it shines for everyone in the house. In the same way your light must shine in people's sight, so that, seeing your good works, they may give praise to your Father in heaven.

REFLECTION
This week Jesus coins a phrase that we continue to use today. He tells his disciples: “You are the ‘salt of the earth.’”

What does that phrase mean to you? What characteristics would you use to describe a person that you consider to be “the salt of the earth?” Down to earth? Practical? Sensible? Caring? Most likely all of us are “salt of the earth” in a variety of ways. However, Jesus also says that if we lose our “saltiness,” we also lose our tastiness and then we are not good for anything! Is that what we desire?

Jesus also tells his disciples (and us): “You are the light of the world.” This is a powerful and yet perhaps an intimidating statement. Light is essential in many ways. Plants would not grow without light. Light enables us to see more clearly. If we do not have “light” we stumble and struggle through life. And if we take Jesus’ words seriously, we need to share our light with everyone we encounter.

As yourself: Do you truly consider yourself “the light of the world?” If you answer yes, how do you share your “light?” What acts do you do that bring light to other people? What are the “gifts of light” you share with others: a smile, a kind act, noticing someone who needs some help or encouragement, reaching out to someone who is lonely, sitting with a friend who is ill or simply sharing a flower or fresh tomato from your garden? These are small acts but they are filled with “light!”

Now, let’s shift the focus. What are the arenas of your life where your “light” may be dim or perhaps even extinguished? What is the cause of the loss of light? Do you sense any glimmer of light beginning to shine in this arena of your life? How do you experience God in this situation?

Our “light” is not our creation. God chose to make us creatures of “light.” Our light is not ours. It is a share of God’s light! Nor is our light to be hoarded. Our light has been given to us to share with our family, friends, the strangers we meet and our world. Today may you consciously and generously let your light shine! After all, our light comes from God, thus it truly is God’s light that is shining through us!

Our world is in desperate need of “light.” There is a tremendous amount of darkness, pain, tragedy, loneliness and sadness in our world. Today and every day, the world needs your light and my light! Together we can “light up” the world with God’s light and love! (Sr Kristine Anne Harpenau)

OPENING SCHOOL MASS
Tomorrow, Thursday 13th February, we will be celebrating our Opening School Mass which will see the commissioning of our new school leaders. We extend a warm welcome to all of the Mt Carmel community to come and celebrate with us. The mass will commence at 9:45am at St Augustine's Church.

SENSORY GARDEN
The Gardening Club are currently constructing a sensory garden as part of the upgraded infants playground. The garden will be planted out in the coming weeks with plants that will provide students with the opportunity to enjoy their colous, feel, smell and taste. 

God Bless,
Warren Ziebowski
Religious Education Coordinator