REFLECTIONS TODAY After the destruction of human beings in the Great Flood and their being scattered all over the world when they started to build the Tower of Babel, the Lord began again his saving work, albeit in a small way, by calling Abraham. Abraham would have many descendants and in them “all the nations of the earth will find blessing” (Gn 22:18). Israel then had a mission to fulfill for all the peoples, though this was often forgotten because of the vicissitudes of history, the nation being oppressed by other peoples. Still, in the vision of Isaiah, God calls the servant, Israel, to be “a light to the nations” that his salvation may reach to the ends of the earth (Is 49:6). This speaks of Israel as a mentor for spiritual and moral guidance for the entire world in virtue of its being the Chosen People. In his Sermon on the Mount, Jesus calls his disciples the salt of the earth and the light of the world, giving them a role similar to Israel’s vis-à-vis the other nations. In Israel’s case, it is their faith in one God and his covenant with them that would serve as a light for the nations. Jesus’ disciples, on the other hand, reflect the Light that gives life to the world, the Lord Jesus. As salt and light are of paramount importance, so is the role of Jesus’ disciples. They “salt” human beings, preserving their dignity as children of God and giving flavor and meaning to their lives. They light the steps of men and women as they journey towards their ultimate Destination — the happiness of God’s Kingdom. Source: “365 Days with the Lord 2022,” 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.