Matthew 5:13-20
13 “You are the salt of the earth; but if salt has lost its taste, how can its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything, but is thrown out and trampled under foot. 14 “You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. 15 No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.
17 “Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets; I have come not to abolish but to fulfill. 18 For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth pass away, not one letter, not one stroke of a letter, will pass from the law until all is accomplished. 19 Therefore, whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches others to do the same, will be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. 20 For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.
The Beatitudes (part 2)
This Sunday, we continue with the Beatitudes where Jesus uses an educational and encouraging language that is understandable to the people and derived from everyday life.
He says to His disciples, "You are the salt of the earth and the light of the world" (VV. 13-14). What is salt and what is light?
Salt, in the past and present has special properties.
It gives food flavor,
Preserves food from decay,
Heals wounds,
Is absorbed in order to regulate body fluids, and
Stimulates nerves and treats skin inflammation.
It was used as currency due to its scarcity. Roman soldiers used to receive their salaries in salt, hence the term salarium in Latin (Salary). It was said about the soldier who wasn't performing his duties as expected, "Non erat dignus suo sale" (He was not worth his salt).
Light dispels darkness and reveals the truth of things
It is the fastest energy in creation.
Light cares to act and transform realities.
Converting light into heat and energy symbolizes the insights of the heart.
The One who is manifest in Himself and who makes others manifest.
Jesus will confirm later that He is the Light of the world and those who have received Him share His nature (John 8:12).
What plan does the Lord have for His faithful in this world, where all these qualities are extremely needed today, even more than yesterday? Jesus' educational way includes trust and encouragement, but also responsibility of conscience and action.
He reminds us today of who we are and why we are in His sight, in His presence and with His assistance. Where are we in relation to this salt that has not spoiled? Are we living in line with God‘s prerogatives, qualities, efficiencies?
Do we reflect the qualities of His light within ourselves and around us? Let us pray with the Church, "Lord, by Your light, we see the light, grant us a ray of your light to bear witness to Your Presence, Your Love and Your Will in today's world."