The message of salt and light in today’s gospel challenges or encourages us. Are we at all times expected to be salt of the earth or light of the world? For Paul in today’s first reading, the response to the question is not flexible. In other words, it is always yes! We have been commissioned and sealed to always be salt and light by virtue of our baptism. We need not be afraid. The Spirit we received at baptism and confirmation will always come to our aid. St Anthony of Padua whose memorial we celebrate today dedicated his life to the service of God, winning souls for him. He never looked back after he made the decision to serve God. Though he died at the age of 36, Anthony had touched so many lives by his preaching and teaching. He is invoked for lost items.

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, renew your Spirit in me and make me ever ready to do your bidding. Amen