A reading from the gospel according to Matthew 5:13-16:
13 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.
14 You are the light of the world. A city set on a mountain cannot be hidden.
15 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.
16 Just so, your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father.”
6/7/2022 Gospel Reflection: Salt and Light of the World
Salt gives flavor and makes food more palatable. It is also used as preservative. On the other hand, light removes darkness. It helps us see the things around us and clear our path. Without salt, food can be tasteless. Without light, we can stumble in the dark.
Early in His ministry, Jesus used the illustration of salt and light to tell His disciples to be good influencers to others. Most especially, He wanted them to have spiritual impact on people around them. As salt, they must show that as children of a loving God, they must love one another. As light, they must make others aware of spiritual truths, behave truthfully and do good things so that others may see Jesus in them and be convinced that indeed there is hope for the world if they believe in Him.
Jesus is the Light and we only source our light from Him. Without Him, we will be in darkness. He is also our salt. Without Him, our life will be devoid of peace and joy. Thus it is only when we abide in Him that we can be able to shine and give joy to others. In this way, we give glory to our heavenly Father.
In the last verse of our reading above, Jesus says that when others see what is good in us, they too will glorify God. In the end, being light and salt is not really about us. It is all about the glory of God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
*****The gospel reading above tells us that we are born for a reason: to be the salt of the earth and light of the world. Jesus is reminding us that we would be useless individuals if we fail in our mission.
As salt, we become the flavor of today and everyday. We make others happy and their life meaningful. People can relate to us easily and comfortably. We create worthwhile moments that last because it is imbued with meaning.
As light, we drive darkness away. We shine and people are attracted to us. Our presence is felt by others because we became a reason for others to see the wonders of creation. By emitting love, hope and wisdom, we make others find reasons to live.
Yet, we are salt and light only because God made us so and with Him alone can we remain as such. We are nothing without God. Moreover, He made us salt and light to give Him glory. Thus, by being salt and light, we glorify Him and lead others to do the same.
May we always remember to give glory to God in everything we think, say, and do.
Prayer:
Dear Jesus, you are our ultimate source of salt and light. Without you, we are nothing and can do nothing. Help us now to be salt and light to the world. Amen.
*****
In the gospel reading above, Jesus beautifully articulates the role and responsibility of His followers in the world. He begins with a powerful metaphor: “You are the salt of the earth.” Salt, in ancient times, was invaluable not only for flavor but also for preservation. As followers of Christ, we are called to add flavor to life, to enrich the world with love, compassion, and kindness. Our actions, words, and attitudes should bring out the best in others, just as salt enhances the flavor of food.
However, Jesus warns that if salt loses its saltiness, it is no longer good for anything. This serves as a reminder that our faith should be dynamic and active. We must continually seek to grow in our relationship with God, allowing His love to permeate every aspect of our lives. Our faith should not be something that we hide or keep to ourselves, but rather, it should be evident in the way we live and interact with others.
Jesus then declares, “You are the light of the world.” Light dispels darkness and brings clarity. In a world often shrouded in confusion, pain, and despair, we are called to be beacons of hope and truth. Our lives should reflect the light of Christ, illuminating the path for others. Just as a city on a hill cannot be hidden, our faith should be visible and impactful.
He goes on to say, “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” This is a call to action. Our good deeds are not for our own glory, but to point others towards God. Every act of kindness, every word of encouragement, every gesture of love is an opportunity to reflect God’s character and draw others to Him.
In a world that often values self-promotion and personal gain, Jesus’ message is a radical call to live for something greater than ourselves. We are to be salt and light, influencing and transforming our surroundings with the love and truth of Christ.
So, let us embrace this high calling. Let us strive to live in such a way that our lives become a testament to God’s goodness and grace. May our actions and words bring flavor and light to a world in desperate need of hope. And through it all, may we bring glory to our Father in heaven.
