Salt of the Earth and Light of the World
These words from the prophet Isaiah—“Share your bread with the hungry, shelter the oppressed and the homeless, clothe the naked when you see them, and do not turn your back on your own”—found resonance in our hearts and in today’s reality. The prophet is basically asking us to turn our faith into action.
Certainly, these words are intrinsically connected to the teaching of the beatitudes we read last week, where Jesus invites us to be poor in spirit, kind and humble of heart, peacemakers and peacekeepers, and merciful men and women. In the same context in today’s Gospel, Jesus invites us to be very conscientious about our responsibility in the world.
The Mission of Salt and Light
To elaborate on his teaching, Jesus uses two impressive and common images that people are familiar with. He said to them: “You are the salt of the earth; you are the light of the world.”
Salt was a very important element during Jesus’ time. People used it to fertilize the soil for better harvests and to conserve food products. However, the primary use of salt is to give taste. Jesus, in a few words, is telling us to bring taste to the world and to our lives.
Our primary mission on earth is to enlighten the world and bring light to people around us—the same light we received on the day of our baptism. Let your light shine in the darkness of our society; you must be sons and daughters of light.
Transforming the World
The world needs our light of faith and hope to be able to secure a better future for our sons and daughters. We are not here to change the world by force, but we are in the world to bring our light and to be the salt; by doing so, we will change the world.
As you know, there is nothing more important than salt and light. As Jesus’ disciples, we have an important role to play. Without light, there is no color, no beauty, and even no life. Without salt, everything seems to be tasteless and has no real flavor. We can bring taste and spiritual flavor to our surroundings. Jesus has called us for that specific purpose: to bring a flavor of fraternity, love, peace, and justice to the world.
An Inspiration to Others
We have been sent into the world to transform the communities around us, as well as to let our light shine in the darkness and be an inspiration to others. As we heard in today’s Gospel:
“Just so, your light must shine before others that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father.”
Our light must always shine. Matthew’s Gospel highlights these two elements as essential for human life. This metaphor applies to all of us as baptized people, calling us to follow Jesus. No matter what happens, we need to continue to give taste to this world and shine in the darkness of our societies, showing who we are through our words and deeds.
Supporting Our Mission: DSA 2026
Together, as salt of the earth and light of the world, let’s continue to join the diocese in its mission and pastoral work by contributing to the DSA.
Our goal for this year, 2026, is $200,000.00. Once again, I want to thank you for being very generous to our parish and the ministry of the diocese. I am very grateful for the countless efforts you made last year to help us reach our goal. Today, I am asking you again to consider participating and making your contribution to the 2026 DSA.
Thank you, and may God bless you.
