Barb Spies, OFS, Director of Mission Services and Pastoral Care

What is our call as Christians in the world today? That’s a huge question! There are so many ways that we live out our lives in relation to the Gospel. Some are called to serve at a warming shelter. Some are called to give generously out of their abundance that others might be able to have food and supplies. Some are called to be ministers, teachers, caregivers, or chaplains. The opportunities to follow God’s call are endless. But, we all have in common the call to be salt and light.

In Matthew 5:13-15, we are told: “You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt has become tasteless, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by people. You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand and it gives light to all who are in the house. Your light must shine before people in such a way that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” We are meant to be a warm and loving presence in the world, which is desperately needed. We aren’t apart from the world but are acting in solidarity with our brothers and sisters. Our call to be compassionate, understanding, and inclusive extends to all people in all places.

Blessed Mary Angela found her call to be a warm and healing presence in the world of her day. Her Sisters started a transformative path that continues today to respect the dignity of all people, show compassion, promote justice and peace, and serve those in need. She called her Sisters to be salt and light by serving where they were needed. We may live that out differently from the Sisters, but it is the same call. Let your light so shine before others.

Blessed Angela: “Without obedience and love of neighbor, our good deeds mean nothing.”