Matthew’s Gospel calls us to consider our mission and identity as Christ’s disciples. Jesus said, “You are the salt of the earth… You are the light of the world.” What does He mean that we are to be the salt and light of the world? What spiritual implications are embedded in these phrases?  What are their meanings?

First, in the ancient world, salt was precious—not just for flavoring food but for preserving it, preventing corruption. Similarly, as Christians we are called to be a preserving influence and agent in the world, our families, and society and culture around us. Our faith should enhance the lives of those around us, especially our children and friends, bringing out their goodness as well as in preventing their moral decay. Jesus also warns us that when “salt” loses its flavor—i.e., if you and I lose our zeal for the gospels— then what are we good for?  To paraphrase St. Paul, why win the wrong race? If we fail to live according to Christ’s teachings, we then risk becoming ineffective witnesses, thus we become faithfully lukewarm, and we know how Jesus felt about faith that was lukewarm.

Secondly, Jesus asks us to be the “light of the world.” Light dispels darkness and like a good coastal light house, guides the way through the storms of life. Our individual and institutional Catholic faith is not meant to be hidden, but rather our faith and prayer life and our works of charity and acts of  kindness, our forgiveness as well as our search for justice is meant to illuminate the presence of God in our world. What good is it to have the gift of faith yet never unwrap it and show it off? Christ urges us to let our light shine in the world around us “so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”  As the Holy Church says, our lives are a reflection of God’s love; through us, others are drawn to Him.

Reflecting on these two images, salt and light, let us consider the following: Are we truly salt and light in our families, workplaces, schools and communities? Are we preserving and defending the values of the Gospel through our speech and action, thus illuminating the path to Christ for others? And if not, what shall we say to Jesus on the Last Day as we stand eyeball-to-eyeball with Him?  Let us now pray for the wisdom and courage to live-out our baptismal call with renewed zeal, so that we may be effective  witnesses to His love, mercy and goodness. After all, we know that a salt-free diet isn’t worth eating and a dark room can be a fall about to happen.