"YOU ARE THE SALT OF THE
EARTH"
As salt
purifies, preserves, and penetrates, likewise, we are to do the same; all for
God's goodness, which brings His righteousness and peace to the world and His
Kingdom.
In
the Responsorial Psalm we acclaim, "Lord, let Your face shine on us. Know
that the Lord does wonders for His faithful one; the Lord will hear me when I
call upon Him" (Ps. 4: 4). The widow in today's Gospel story is also one
who is faithful. She risks her life and that of her son to feed a stranger who
arrives at her doorstep. She does not question the prophet Elijah, "Who
are you? Why are you making these demands of me?" She just describes her
dire circumstances and then, when the Prophet insists not only on being fed but
being fed first, she simply follows his instructions. This widow is a
challenging example for us of faith, hospitality, generosity, and much courage.
She certainly is "the salt of the earth" (Mt. 5: 13).
We
know that salt not only gives food flavor but it also preserves meat. Jesus
used this image of salt to describe how the disciples are to live in the world.
As salt purifies, preserves, and penetrates, likewise, we are to do the same;
all for God's goodness, which brings His righteousness and peace to the world
and His Kingdom.
Jesus
also used the image in today's Gospel of light and a lamp to further His
illustration. Lamps, in the ancient world, served as a vital function much like
they do for us today. They enable us to see and work in the dark and to avoid
stumbling. Jesus used the image of a lamp to describe how we are to live in the
light of His truth and love. Just as natural light illumines the darkness and
enables one to see visually, so the light of Jesus Christ shines in the hearts
of us, as believers, and enables us to see the heavenly reality of God's
beautiful Kingdom.
The
challenge for us is our mission to be light-bearers of Jesus Christ so that
those around us may see the truth of the Gospel and be freed from the blindness
that can bring them harm.
Like
the widow in our first reading, may we also share what we have and we, too,
will not be disappointed. The Holy Spirit will help us live this way; in this
manner. But it does require much prayer and receptivity on our part to the
Spirit's power. Allowing the Holy Spirit to work in us will truly make you and
I "the salt of the earth" and "the light of the world" (Mt.
5: 13, 14).