Gospel Living: The Key to Our Healing & Happiness

Today we hear these words in the first reading: 

Share your bread with the hungry,

shelter the oppressed and the homeless;

clothe the naked when you see them,

and do not turn your back on your own.

Then your light shall break forth like the dawn,

and your wound shall quickly be healed.

If you remove from your midst

oppression, false accusation and malicious speech;

if you bestow your bread on the hungry

and satisfy the afflicted;

then light shall rise for you in the darkness,

and the gloom shall become for you like midday.

Essentially we are encouraged to live works of mercy and light in today's readings. They bring to mind a key question: Is Gospel living, works of mercy, and acting in justice how we are truly healed and how light rises for us in the gloom and darkness?

If you’ve ever intentionally tried to do these things, think back to how your life may have changed. Did it get better or worse? Were things lighter or darker? Were you happier or more distressed? Were your wounds and struggles eventually healed and made right?

In my life, I can most certainly say that living a life of greater intention to these commands of the Lord has resulted in more light, healing, and goodness flowing into my life. These words have in fact come to life for me. The more good I do, the better off I am, the happier I am, and the more light shines in the darkness.

As we prepare for Lent which starts in just 10 days, perhaps these words can be our challenge. Are there one or two that pop up as opportunities for you to more intentionally live the Gospel?