Spreading the Gospel Through Faithful Action – Jun 10 – Homily – Fr John Lawrence
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Fr John Lawrence gives the homily at Bloomington, IN, on Jun 10, 2025, on how Christians, like St. Paul, must live as salt and light to spread the gospel through faith and example.
Father reflects on the readings for Ordinary Time after Pentecost, focusing on St. Paul’s letter to the Corinthians (2 Corinthians 1:18-22) and Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:13-16). He explains that St. Paul’s faithfulness reflects God’s unwavering Word, describing Jesus as the “yes and amen” to God’s promises, fulfilled through the Holy Spirit given at Pentecost and in baptism (CCC 1257). Christians are called to be “salt of the earth,” preserving moral goodness and adding flavor to life through faith, and “light of the world,” shining through good deeds to spread the gospel. Father stresses that while clergy preach, all believers must share the faith, as seen in Psalm 119:130, where God’s Word gives understanding. He warns that failing to live this faith renders it useless, like salt without savor, urging Christians to live authentically to enlighten others, as Jesus teaches in Matthew 5:16. Through baptism, the Holy Spirit dwells within us (CCC 1265), enabling intimacy with God now, not just in heaven. Father encourages living the gospel boldly to prevent the world from remaining in darkness.
For Further Reading
2 Corinthians 1:18-22 - NAB - St. Paul’s faithfulness to God’s Word - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/2corinthians/1?18
Matthew 5:13-16 - NAB - Salt and Light Parables - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/matthew/5?13
Psalm 119:130 - NAB - God’s Word Gives Understanding - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/119?130
Catechism of the Catholic Church #1257 - Baptism’s Necessity and Grace - http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/p2s2c1a1.htm#1257
Catechism of the Catholic Church #1265 - Effects of Baptism - http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/p2s2c1a1.htm#1265
Catechism of the Catholic Church #698 - Holy Spirit as Seal - http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/para/698.htm
00:00 - Opening Prayer
00:10 - Readings Context
00:56 - St. Paul’s Mission
01:36 - Holy Spirit’s Gift
02:38 - Salt and Light
03:37 - Gospel in Practice
05:30 - Shining as Light
07:18 - Faithful Living Call
Ave Maria!
Mass: Tuesday 10th Week of Ordinary Time - Wkdy
Readings: - http://usccb.org/bible/readings/061025.cfm
1st: 2co 1:18-22
Resp: psa 119:129-133, 135
Gsp: mat 5:13-16
More on the Readings: https://airmaria.com/r?m=1414
Also on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/158sXZauK7/
and YouTube: https://youtu.be/0WEw6JkzquQ
