In today’s Gospel, Jesus tells us that we are the salt of the earth and the light of the world. Here are a few thoughts on these two powerful images.
Salt
Salt is good for a lot of things, Here are a few that I came up with.
Salt makes food taste better. You’re supposed to enjoy the life God has given you.
Salt makes you thirsty. You’re supposed to make yourself and others thirsty for God.
Salt keeps food from going bad. You’re supposed to keep the world from going bad.
Light
Many years ago, when I was eight or nine, my family was traveling to California in a ’57 Chevy that my dad had nick-named “Ol’ Betsy”. I remember that just at dusk one evening, somewhere in Arizona, we had to stop at a garage because the engine was in need of some attention.
The mechanic looked under the hood while his helper stood by with a flashlight shining onto the engine. Suddenly, there was a noise in the garage that got the attention of the helper, so he turned away to take a closer look. When he did that, the light was no longer shining on the engine. I remember that when that happened, the mechanic looked up, and with a little impatience said to his helper, “Shine your light! What are you here for anyway?”
Those words are something to think about aren’t they!
We are the light of the world! We need to shine our light for Jesus so that everyone can see.