mFebruary  5. Sunday 5A. Fr Fidelis, the PPC and the family life team were working hard to promote marriage and family life and to celebrate later in the month. He started his homily by saying, “You are all salt of the earth members of our parish. Thank you.  Jesus used the term in the Beatitudes and it has become a common saying. ‘Salt of the earth’ people are seen as good and  stable, having a positive influence on those around them, who may be similar or different, young and old.  I ask everyone to pray for and with married couples and remember that everyone is preparing in a remote way for a future marriage. Pray for strength and commitment that they may continue to be examples for their children and others in the community.  

Scripture: You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste how shall its saltiness be restored.  From Matt 5:13-16.  Pope Francis: The Church looks to married couples as the heart of the entire family, which in turn looks to Jesus.   The sacrament is not a thing or a power for in it Christ himself now encounters Christian spouses.  He dwells with them, gives them the strength to take up their crosses and so follow him, to rise again after they have fallen, to forgive one another, to bear one another’s burdens.  AL 73.  Reflect, share, act and pray.