REFLECTION FOR TODAY
June 8, 2021
By Fr. Andrew Ibegbulem, OSA
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. You are the light of the world…” Matt. 5:13-14
At the time of Jesus, there was no electricity, no air conditioning or heater, and there was no refrigerator, when night falls, the world became truly dark. So, when Jesus talked about salt and light in our gospel reference today, He was referring to two facets of the lives of the people, that were completely vital for human goodness and wholesomeness, and for freedom from obscurity.
Jesus calls us to be “salt” that is, to enhance life around us, and to preserve it from destruction. Just as salt heighten the flavor of food, so as Christians we are to elevate the goodness and the life of God in others. As St Chromatius would say “The Lord called the disciples the salt of the earth because they seasoned with heavenly wisdom the heart of people renders insipid by the devil”
There are people in our world today who believe that Christianity represents a tedious, feeble, and dull existence. How wonderful this wrong impression would correct if they saw reflected in us the joy of the gospel. God calls us to demonstrate the truth that Christianity is not what they say or think by the way we make visible in our lives the joy, wisdom, hope and self-control the gospel brings.
The world in which we live is oftentimes quite dark and despairing. There is corruption all around us, lies, and temptations abound. In the mist of this, the light of Christ must be made manifest far and wide. Those all around us need to clearly see the path to holiness and happiness. So, Jesus calls us to be “light” to the world so that His eternal plan like shining rays might pour out the light of the knowledge of himself upon the world.
As Christians we have two primary duties in life. First, we must strive for personal holiness. And second, we must work to help others achieve this same degree of holiness. This is what it means to be the “salt of the earth” and the “light of the world.”
Reflect, today, upon these two missions in life. First, ponder your call to holiness. How does God want to bring light into your own life, preserve you from all sin and add spiritual flavor for holy living? Second, who does God want you to love with His love? Who needs hope and joy, mercy and kindness, words of wisdom and encouragement? Be holy and then allow that holiness to shine forth to others and you will indeed be the salt of the earth and the light of the world.
My Jesus, the true Light of the World, please shine brightly in my life so that I will see clearly and will be preserved from the darkness of sin. As You fill me with Your light, please use me as an instrument of Your love and mercy to a world filled with chaos and confusion. Dispel the darkness, dear Lord, and use me as Your instrument as You will. Jesus, I trust in You.