February is Black History Month, which is why the Black Catholic Congress promotes the National Day for the African American Family annually on the first Sunday of February (5). This year it coincides with the Serra group’s World Day for Consecrated Life.

The point in today’s gospel reading is to be “salt”: not to lose your taste for life or the flavor you bring to it.

Today I make a confession. I’ve written lectionary commentary since 1995. Since 1997, on the first Sunday of Black History Month, the National Black Catholic Congress has sponsored the National Day of Prayer for the African American Family. Mostly I’ve ignored it.

“Let me tell you why you are here. You’re here to be salt-seasoning that brings out the God-flavors of this earth. If you lose your saltiness, how will people taste godliness? You’ve lost your usefulness and will end up in the garbage.

He’s out there every day even when it’s 95 degrees or when it’s raining. Only the bitter cold and snow keep him away.

Brothers and sisters, let us acknowledge our sins, and so prepare ourselves to celebrate the sacred mysteries.

Our acts make or mar us, we are the children of our own deeds.