# Novena for Faithful Citizenship – Day Nine
*2008-10-20*

> Bill Young reflects on the final day of the Novena for Faithful Citizenship, exploring how we can be salt and light in our communities and offering a concluding prayer to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.

## Opening Prayer and Scripture

Good afternoon. This is Bill Young, welcome to the 177th episode of Catholic Podcast Ministries, Prayer and Lunch. Today is the ninth and final day of our Novena for Faithful Citizenship.

Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in us the fire of your love.

Our reading is from Matthew 5:13‑16: “You are the salt of the earth… If the salt loses its taste, what can it become? It is good for nothing; it is thrown out and trampled underfoot. You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and puts it under a basket; instead, they put it on a stand, so it gives light to everyone in the house.”

## Reflection: Salt and Light in Our Lives

How am I the salt of my community? How do I shine the light of Christ so that others may see it? What deeds am I performing that glorify God?

We are called to preserve what is good, to bring flavor and meaning to the world, and to let the light of Christ shine through our words and actions. This means living humbly, acting justly, and bearing witness to the love of God in every circumstance.

## Closing Prayer

Lord Jesus, you give us your love and grace to do great things. Grant us the faith to shine our light by walking humbly and acting justly before you. Amen.

Immaculate Heart of Mary, help us conquer the menace of evil that easily takes root in the hearts of people today and whose effects weigh down our world. Deliver us from famine, war, nuclear devastation, self‑destruction, and all sins against human life from its very beginning. Deliver us from hatred, from assaults on the dignity of the children of God, and from every injustice in society, both national and international.

Protect us from the neglect of God’s commandments, from strife in human hearts, from the loss of awareness of good and evil, and from sins against the Holy Spirit. Mother of Christ, hear our cry of suffering for every individual and for the whole society. With the power of the Holy Spirit, help us conquer all sin—personal and communal. May the infinite saving power of redemption and merciful love put a stop to evil, transform consciousness, and let the Immaculate Heart shine the light of hope for all.

*May we each become true salt and light, bringing Christ’s love into every corner of our community.*