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.
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.
