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Christians are called to live in “ecstasy.”

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When we hear the word, “ecstasy,” our minds may drift to that terribly destructive drug. But the word, “ecstasy” originally referred to a religious experience.

It meant to, “step outside of yourself,” to see the world from someone else’s perspective.

Isn’t this what God did when he took on flesh?

In the Incarnation, the Lord stepped outside of heaven; he came down to earth, and learned what it felt like to live and move as a human being; to flee King Herod as a refugee; to feel the twinge of hunger; to know the embrace of a mother; to be loved; and even to be hated.

The Lord stepped outside of himself whenever he encountered his neighbor. He was constantly healing the sick, forgiving the sinner, teaching the curious, and stretching people’s minds to see what it really means to love.

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Today we celebrate the Feast of the Sacred Heart.

While this feast reminds us of the infinite mercy of God, it also challenges us to step outside of ourselves and see the world from another person’s perspective.

It’s something we can do in the smallest of ways: we can listen before we speak; reach out to a lonely neighbor; feed an empty stomach; or pray for a person in need. 

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In what ways do I live in “ecstasy”? How do I step outside of my own thoughts or plans and see the world from someone else’s perspective?

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May we continue to model our lives after our merciful God, who has loved us and given himself for us.

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Image credits: (1) Rohn and Associates Design, Inc. (2) Jesus Washing Peter’s Feed, Ford Madox Brown, Tate (3) Vatican News

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Gospel: Matthew 5: 20-26

Jesus said to his disciples: 
“I tell you, unless your righteousness surpasses that
of the scribes and Pharisees,
you will not enter into the Kingdom of heaven.

“You have heard that it was said to your ancestors,
You shall not kill; and whoever kills will be liable to judgment.
But I say to you, whoever is angry with his brother
will be liable to judgment,
and whoever says to his brother,
Raqa, will be answerable to the Sanhedrin,
and whoever says, ‘You fool,’ will be liable to fiery Gehenna.
Therefore, if you bring your gift to the altar,
and there recall that your brother
has anything against you,
leave your gift there at the altar,
go first and be reconciled with your brother,
and then come and offer your gift.
Settle with your opponent quickly while on the way to court with him.
Otherwise your opponent will hand you over to the judge,
and the judge will hand you over to the guard,
and you will be thrown into prison.
Amen, I say to you,
you will not be released until you have paid the last penny.”

The Gospel of the Lord.

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The Church is widely known for making distinctions.

For example, there’s a difference between good and evil; an angel and an archangel; moral versus immoral; or a venial sin versus a mortal sin.

A venial sin might involve harboring a slight grudge in our heart towards someone who has hurt us; a mortal sin would involve intentionally acting on that anger – even to the point of murder.

While we are most likely not guilty of any mortal sin, we can commit venial sins often enough. The temptation is to brush them off, as if they are really not that big of a deal. 

I’m angry at someone…. so what?

The Gospel tells us that that grudge IS a big deal, because no sin is permissible in heaven. “Whoever is angry with his brother,” Jesus says, “will be liable to judgment.”

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Do I judge others? Do I gossip? Do I ever lose my temper or harbor anger in my heart? 

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Jesus wants to remove these burdens from our hearts, especially through confession. Doing so frees us to love.

This is, after all, the challenge of discipleship: to forgive without limits; to be the servant of servants; to love to a ridiculous level, just as Christ has loved us. 

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Image credits: (1) Church of the Madalene (2) Sermon on the Mount by Carl Bloch (3) Return of the Prodigal Son, Rembrandt

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Gospel: Matthew 5: 13-16

Jesus said to his disciples:
“You are the salt of the earth.
But if salt loses its taste, with what can it be seasoned?
It is no longer good for anything
but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.
You are the light of the world.
A city set on a mountain cannot be hidden.
Nor do they light a lamp and then put it under a bushel basket;
it is set on a lampstand,
where it gives light to all in the house.
Just so, your light must shine before others,
that they may see your good deeds
and glorify your heavenly Father.”

The Gospel of the Lord.

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There was a strange practice in some of the early Christian churches.

If someone was expelled because of a moral issue, or if the person left the faith willingly, before being accepted back into the community, they would lie at the door of the church, saying, “Trample upon me who was the salt which lost its flavor.”

Such a humbling practice – being trampled upon – was derived from Jesus words in today’s Gospel. “You are the salt of the earth, but if salt loses its taste, it is no longer good for anything, but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.”

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People loved salt for three reasons: its purity, its antiseptic quality, and its taste.

Christians must be similar: pure in mind, body, and heart. If we participate in gossip, immoral behavior, or any form of impurity, then how will we spread the faith?

Salt is antiseptic. It keeps meat from going bad. Similarly, we’re called to preserve the good in people, uplifting their spirits. If we insult or drag them down, then what good are we?

Salt gives flavor, making anything taste better! Similarly, Christians are called to spread love and joy, brightening people’s days. Depressed disciples lose their taste, making the Gospel seem unappealing.

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You and I are called to be the salt of the earth: living pure lives, bringing out the good in others, and spreading joy.

What does it look like for me to be a salty Christian today?

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Image credits: (1) Redbubble.com (2) CStore Decisions (3) BlendSpace