The Similes of Salt and Light

 Today's Reflections

                                                  

 

     

 

The Similes of Salt and Light

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Mt 5:13-16

[Jesus said to his disciples,] ¹³“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. ¹⁴You are the light of the world. A city set on a mountain cannot be hidden. ¹⁵Nor 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. ¹⁶Just so, your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father.”

Reflection:

You are the salt of the earth. Jesus does not tell this to his disciples to say that they easily melt when water comes. His meaning? Salt preserves from corruption. Christians are meant by God to preserve this world from corruption.

Salt also gives taste to food and improves our appetite—pampagana (appetite stimulant). Without salt, food is tasteless. Christians are to give flavor to the world, make it desirable to live in by the way they live, as described in the Beatitudes.

Salt heals wounds. Christians are meant to be a healing force for people’s wounds brought about by sin.

Christians salt the earth without calling much attention to themselves. They do not have to be attention-grabbers to achieve their mission.

Be salt wherever you are by doing God’s will.

Be a force for good like salt.