Dear Parish Family,

Jesus tells His disciples in today's Gospel that they are the salt of the earth and the light of the world. In the midst of this dark and cold winter, I imagine we want to experience less salt and more sunlight in the weeks ahead! Turning to Jesus' message for us, think about the effects of salt and light and how He asks His disciples to become the salt and light of the world. 

Salt melts ice, and it seasons and preserves food. As salt of the earth, disciples of Christ melt icy hearts, uphold and preserve the truth of Christ's merciful teaching, and season this truth with our own unique gifts given to us in the Holy Spirit. Salt also has a destructive effect, as can be seen when it accumulates on our vehicles and pavement or when it kills weeds and prevents future vegetative growth. A practice of ancient warfare was to "salt a city" after the invading army conquered it so that nothing could grow in the future, preventing people from settling in the land. As salt of the earth, disciples of Christ are entrusted with preventing evil from spreading in the world. 

Light gives warmth and visibility. As the light of the world, disciples of Christ warm cold and lukewarm hearts and make the life of Christ visible through their words and actions. Jesus also tells us to let our light shine before others that they may see our good deeds and glorify our heavenly Father. Light isn't meant to be contained or restrained, but to shine out brightly to illuminate the world. On a sunny day, we never look at the sun itself but at the effects that sunlight has on the world. Like the sun giving light to the world, we share the light of Christ with others not so that we can be glorified, but that God may be glorified through us!

With these images of salt and light, consider how God is asking you to melt and warm the hearts of others, prevent evil from growing in your heart and in your relationships, and diffuse the truth and goodness of our Lord in your words and actions for the glory of God!

Our Catholic Charities Annual Appeal takes place next weekend. This year's theme is "Yours are the hands with which He blesses all the world." Your contribution to Catholic Charities helps over 400,000 people in need each year by providing resources and care to those most in need with more than 150 services at 60 locations in our Diocese. Help us reach our parish goal of $73,241. Thank you for being the salt and light of the earth to bless the world this year with your gift to Catholic Charities!

The Super Bowl isn't the only big game this season. St. Mary School and St. Helen School are kicking off a friendly competition with the Angel Scholarship Fund this year to help our schools secure the top spot this tax season. Don't fumble this opportunity! Make an investment in the ASF tax credit scholarship to provide a tuition scholarship for families at St. Mary School and receive a dollar-for-dollar reduction in what you owe in Ohio state income taxes, up to $750 for individual filers or $1,500 for married couples filing jointly. More resources are available in the back of church, or visit stmarychardon.org/asf to learn more and contribute!

I am yours in Christ,

Fr. Scott Goodfellow