Salt, Light, and Love in Action

02-08-2026Weekly ReflectionFr. Fred Adamson

Dear Parishioners,

In this week's Gospel, Jesus proclaims a powerful truth to His disciples, and to us: "You are the salt of the earth ... You are the light of the world." These familiar images are not compliments; they are a calling. Salt gives flavor and preserves what is good. Light brings clarity, direction, and hope. Notice that Jesus does not say, "You should become salt and light," but "You are." This is our identity as His disciples.

When we hear this Gospel alongside the first reading from Isaiah, that identity becomes concrete. God's people are called to shelter the oppressed, welcome the homeless, clothe the naked, and feed the hungry. And Isaiah makes a promise: when we live this self-giving love, "then your light shall break forth like the dawn." Faith lived outwardly becomes light that others can see.

The world has always needed salt and light. Today is no different. As Christians, we are called to bring the flavor of virtue, mercy, and love into every place we enter. We are called to be light for those who struggle, who feel lost, or who are searching for meaning. Yet the source of all true salt and light is not us - it is Jesus Himself. Our mission flows only from drawing close to Him and remaining close to Him.

Once again we join Catholics across the Diocese of Phoenix in the annual Charity and Development Appeal - a tangible opportunity to put love into action. Through this appeal, more than 70 ministries, parishes, schools, and charitable works are supported by the generosity of God's people. This weekend marks the kickoff, and next weekend we will have the opportunity to make our own commitment. Last year, our parish contributed over $296,000 toward the diocesan goal of $9.4 million. This is what salt and light looks like in the real world.

I also invite you to take time to experience a beautiful new blessing in our parish. The new mosaic of the Holy Face of Jesus is now part of the tabernacle artwork in the chapel. In the future, it will also serve as a monstrance for Eucharistic adoration. Information and a prayer to the Holy Face of Jesus can be found on the center page of the bulletin. I encourage you to spend time gazing upon the face of Christ and allowing Him to gaze upon you. There is grace in that encounter.

You may have noticed that our parish community continues to grow, and with that growth come new opportunities for faith formation, fellowship, and service. We have expanded the bulletin to better share the Good News and invite you into the many ways we can grow together as missionary disciples.

Growth, of course, also brings a few growing pains. The parking lot between the 9:00 and 11:00 a.m. Masses can become quite full. Please drive carefully, be patient with one another, and when needed, use the overflow parking at the high school just north of the parish. Above all, let us be kind and considerate, so that even our parking lot reflects the Gospel we celebrate. We give thanks for the many ways God is drawing people to worship, pray, and belong in this community.

Peace and goodness in Him,

Fr. Fred