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Manila Bulletin devider Opinion devider Salt of the earth... light of the world

Salt of the earth... light of the world

Published Jun 8, 2021 12:05 am

REFLECTIONS TODAY

REFLECT

In the ancient world, salt was very important: the Greeks thought it contained something almost divine. The Romans even sometimes paid their soldiers with salt. Jesus reminds his audience how valuable they are in society. He calls his hearers to be like salt. They are to keep society from spoiling and decay. They are to season civilization with righteousness and justice. By flavoring life with God’s values, life in the community becomes appetizing.

In the same way, his followers are to be light. Rays of light cannot be hidden even from a distance. They stand out in darkness. As light of the world, the disciples of Jesus touch the lives of everyone around. They bring rays of hope even in dark circumstances of life.

Being salt and light has much to do with witnessing. Salt has to be seasoned and light has to be ignited. They require action to be activated and to be rendered effective. That is why Jesus presents this challenge: “Your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father” (v 16).

GOSPEL • MATTHEW 5:13-16

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. 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. Just so, your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father.

” SOURCE: “365 Days with the Lord 2021,” ST. PAULS, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 632-895-9701; Fax 632-895-7328; E-mail: [email protected]; Website: http://www.stpauls.ph.

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