Dear brothers and sisters
in Christ,
Last Sunday, I reminded
you about our identity, Christian identity.
In today’s readings, a
follower of Christ is reminded of this reality: who we are and how we
are to live out that identity.
Jesus tells us in the
Gospel of Matthew, “You are the salt of the earth… You are the light of the
world.” These are not mere compliments; they are commissions.
Salt preserves and gives flavour.
Light reveals and guides. Both are simple, everyday elements — yet both
transform everything they touch.
When our words and deeds
draw attention not to ourselves but to God, we fulfil the purpose of both the
salt and the light.
But then we hear St. Paul
in the First Letter to the Corinthians say something seemingly opposite: “When
I came to you, brothers and sisters, I did not come with eloquence or human
wisdom… My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words,
but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power.”
Paul reminds us that
being salt and light does not depend on human strength or brilliance. It is not
about how impressive we are, but about how transparent we are to God’s
presence. Salt works only when it dissolves; light shines most clearly when
it is unobstructed. Likewise, the Christian’s influence grows as
self-importance fades and the Spirit takes centre stage.
So, when He now tells His
disciples, “You are the light of the world,” He is not replacing
Himself, but sharing His light with them.
Just as the moon reflects
the light of the sun, we are called to reflect the light of Christ in a
world that often walks in darkness — the darkness of sin, fear, confusion, and
despair. Our goodness, mercy, and faith become visible signs of God’s presence
in daily life.
Light helps people see
clearly. When Jesus calls us to be light, He is calling us to reveal God’s
truth and love wherever we are.
Jesus continues, “A
city built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put
it under a bowl.” In other words, our faith is not meant to be private or
hidden.
We are not to hide our
Christian identity out of fear or indifference. The world needs witnesses —
people who live their faith joyfully and visibly. We don’t have to preach with
loud words; our lives can be the sermon.
As St. Francis of Assisi
said: “Preach the Gospel at all times, and if necessary, use words.”
A simple reflection: Imagine
entering a dark room with a small candle. Even a tiny flame changes everything.
Likewise, one act of kindness, one word of encouragement, one gesture of mercy
— can illuminate someone’s darkness.
So, Jesus is really saying:
“Be My reflection in the world. Let My light shine through you — wherever you
go, in whatever you do.”
Jesus says “You are
the salt of the earth,” Salt was precious in the ancient world — not only
for flavour, but for preservation and purity.
In Jesus’ time, there
were no refrigerators. Salt was used to preserve food and prevent it from
spoiling.
So, when Jesus says, “You
are the salt of the earth,” He is telling His followers:
“You are what keeps the
world from rotting.”
In a world that can
easily decay through sin, greed, and hatred, Christians are called to preserve
what is good — to uphold truth, justice, and love. Through your faith,
integrity, and compassion, you keep the world from losing its moral and
spiritual health.
Salt gives flavor to
food. Without it, everything tastes bland. Jesus is saying that our faith
should give flavor and zest to life — our own and others’.
A Christian who lives
with joy, hope, and love makes the world more beautiful and meaningful. When
people encounter someone who radiates peace, patience, and kindness, they
“taste” something of God.
In biblical times, salt
was also used in purification — for sacrifices, healing wounds, and cleaning.
So, salt also symbolizes purity
and healing.
Jesus warns, “If salt loses its taste, how
can it be made salty again?” In other words, if we lose our distinct
Christian character — our integrity, our love, our moral courage — we become
like tasteless salt: ineffective and irrelevant.
A disciple who blends in
so much with the world that there is no difference between them and others no
longer fulfils their mission. Our strength lies in being different — not in a
superior way, but in a way that points to Christ.
Salt works only when it
is poured out and mixed in. In the same way, we can’t be the salt of the earth
if we stay isolated or fearful. We must enter into the world’s “messiness” —
schools, workplaces, families, communities — and bring God’s love there.
Salt hidden in a
container does nothing; faith kept private changes nothing.
A Reflection-Just
as salt disappears into food but transforms its taste, so should we live humbly
but powerfully — quietly influencing our families, schools, and communities
with Christ’s love.
The world may not always
see us working, but if we truly live as salt, it will feel the
difference.
Jesus says, “they
may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven” (Matthew
5:16). Let us notice carefully: Jesus does not say people will praise us;
he says they will praise the Father. Parents feel honoured when their children
do good; in the same way, our Heavenly Father is glorified when we live lives
of love, mercy, and sacrifice.
Sometimes I used to ask
myself, We Christians have built so many institutions in this world —
hospitals, schools, colleges, orphanages, homes for the aged. Through these, we
serve millions of people. But are they, seeing our works, glorifying our
Heavenly Father? Or are some slowly drifting away from God? Are our
institutions only giving education and treatment, or are they also giving
witness to Christ?
Think of Saint Teresa of
Calcutta: people who watched her pick up the dying from the streets did not
praise her alone, but many began to believe again in Jesus, because they saw
His love alive in her hands.
Saint Francis of Assisi
lived this Gospel in a striking way. His simplicity, care for the poor, and
joyful humility touched even hardened hearts. Many who met him did not merely
admire Francis; they began to love Christ, because his life pointed away from
himself and toward Jesus.
But today, we often see a
counter-witness. We may go to church, we may pray, we may receive the
sacraments — yet we are not ready to forgive. We ignore small mistakes of our
family members. We carry anger in our hearts. Sometimes people look at us and
ask, “Why does he go to church and still behave like this?”
Dear brothers and
sisters, Christianity is not first about beautiful prayers or impressive
buildings. It is about living love in ordinary moments — forgiving at home,
speaking gently, helping quietly, and serving without seeking recognition. That
is our mission: to become living witnesses, so that through our small acts of
goodness, others may discover the goodness of our Father in heaven. Let our
lives quietly teach others to say, “Thanks be to God.”
