You are the salt of the earth, and the light of the world

Readings: 1^st: 1 Kg 17:7-16; Ps: 4; Gos: Mt 5:13-16

This brief reflection was written by Rev. Fr. Njoku Canice Chukwuemeka, C.S.Sp. He is a Catholic Priest and a Member of the Congregation of the Holy Ghost Fathers and Brothers (Spiritans). He is currently working with the Spiritan International Group of Puerto Rico &  Dominican Republic. He is the Administrator of Parroquia La Resurrección del Senor, Canovanas and the Chancellor of the Diocesis of Fajardo-Humacao, Puerto Rico. For more details and comments contact him on: canice_c_njoku@yahoo.com, cancilleriadfh@gmail.com, canicechukwuemeka@gmail.com.

Today is Monday of the tenth week of ordinary time. In today’s gospel, Jesus used two metaphors to remind us of our purpose and function in our world.

First, Christ tells us that we are “the salt of the earth.” In the Old Testament, the people of God used to present their offerings for the forgiveness of their sins with salt. This was a reminder of their covenant with God.

Also, agreements were sealed with a gift of salt. This was to show the strength and permanence of the agreement.

In addition, salt was a symbol of God’s activity in a person’s life. Salt penetrates, preserves, and heals. So, that is how God always active in our lives.

Also, Jesus says we as the light of the world. As Christians, we must be ready to shine in darkness. Light does not coexist with darkness.

Therefore, as salt, we must make a difference in this world we live in. We must cleanse the moral decay in our society. As the salt of the earth, we must to preserve the sweetness of our world.

So, Christ is reminding us of who we are, and what our function is in our world. Every good Christian must be the light as well as the salt to our world.

So, let us ask Christ to help us help us fulfill our function in our world. That we may be true models to our world that has lost its taste and light to those who live in darkness.

Peace be with you all!

Maranatha!