Theme: “You are the salt of the and the light of the world”
In our first reading, the prophet Isaiah, tells us that it is by speaking and acting with justice and compassion that we bring light into the darkness of the world: “if you do away with the yoke, the clenched fist, if you give your bread to the hungry, and relief to the oppressed, your light will shine in the darkness, and your shadows become like noon” (Isaiah 58:10).
The gospel reading tells us that we are born for a reason: to be the salt of the earth and light of the world. Jesus is reminding us that we would be useless individuals if we fail in our mission.
As salt, we become the flavor of today and everyday. We make others happy and their life meaningful. People can relate to us easily and comfortably. As Light, we drive darkness away. We shine and people are attracted to us. Our presence is felt by others because we become a reason for others to see the wonders of creation. By emitting love, hope and wisdom, we make others find reasons to live. Our role is to preserve, to strengthen, to encourage goodness, to enlighten, to dispel darkness and shadows.
We are salt and light only because God made us so and with Him alone can remain as such. We are nothing without God. He made us salt and light to give Him glory. Thus, by being salt and light, we glorify Him and lead others to do the same.
May we always remember to give glory to God in everything we think, say, and do. May we season those whom we touch and invite others to respond in the same way, with the goodness that is in them.
Fr. Alex Osei
SSC-USA Spiritual Director