David

Matthew 5:13-16  •  St David 

Salt and light are natural elements which make a huge difference to our lives. Light illuminates the darkness and salt flavours and preserves. Jesus is explicit and clear: in this world we are salt and we are light. However, just as salt can lose its flavour and ability to preserve and just as light can be extinguished, so too can we as Christians.  Jesus’ punch-line is: ‘Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven’ (v. 16). 
What kind of a witness are you? What do people think or say as a result of the way you live? Do your relatives, friends and work colleagues enquire as to why you are happy, content and at peace with yourself and the world? Do they ask about the light they see in you? Do they ask how they too can live like this? 
To be sure God works in mysterious ways his wonders to perform, and a miserable, frustrated and difficult person may be able to hand on the gospel in a way which transforms someone’s life. However, it is fair to suggest that the Christian is called to give witness to light and truth and to testify to the potential of living life to the full (John 10:10). Some people may protest, ‘Yes, but we can’t be joyful all the time’ or, ‘We’re just like everybody else, we have our fair share of problems and difficulties’. This is, of course, true but we are called to embrace our trials, challenges and suffering by God’s grace and to discover God’s blessing in the midst of them. We can live differently to others, not because we are better or superior but because we have the power of the Holy Spirit to help us. 
One man who lived an abundant life in the Spirit was St David, whose feast-day is celebrated today. His light shone out during his lifetime and continues to shine, and the salt of the Holy Spirit preserved him from sin and led him to true sanctity. 
‘Lord Jesus, we thank and praise you for St David whose life was full of missionary zeal and dedication. As a prayerful and joyful servant of the Church his light truly shone before others. Teach us today to rely more on God’s inspiration and grace than on our views and opinions.’  

St David: Philippians 3:8-14  •  Psalm 1:1-4  •  Matthew 5:13-16