Salt Shaker of Light

Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time

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Gospel of 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?  ......You are the light of the world.....your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly father."

Jesus says:  You are the salt of the earth.  You are the light of the world.  These beautiful words tug at my heart and make me realize how incredibly blessed I am to be Catholic. I am so in ahhh of Jesus! He's the salt shaker that continually seasons my life with surprises.  His love for me is unfathomable.

 Many people desire to disconnect from God out of fear, anger or indifference. Their lives become bland and immersed in darkness.  People push aside God as if he's a thief, an intruder, and a vagabond:

 I don't need God in my life!  I'm perfectly fine without him! The only purpose for God is to make me feel guilty all of the time.  God doesn't care.  He doesn't even know I exist! 

Yet, these unbelievers fail to understand, or refuse to accept, how much God can heal their sufferings.  Our Lord loves us so much that he dusted the earth with the salt of faith!  He gave us the gospels richly seasoned with wisdom, instruction, and a solid moral compass.  All we have to do is turn away from the Devil's seasoning:  A bitter  blend of selfishness, negativity, lust, addiction, and despair.  Turn to Christ's holy salt shaker!  We all must add salt to our spiritual diets.  

As Christians, we should enter into the pathway of the light.  The brighter we become, the more effective we are at spreading the good news.  By our devoted faith, we act as important role models.  People see Christ in us and through us.  The light of Christ can be blinding at times!  It can be so powerful that people close their eyes or look away.  The gospel's saltiness can make people quench with thirst.  They see how much they need a drink from the flowing waters of Christ.  Their conscience makes them realize, "Dear Lord, I have sinned against you in such terrible ways!  Please forgive me!  Allow me to be whole again!"

It's important for us to pass along the salt of faith to others.  We should feed the hungry, give alms to the poor, and see Christ within the hearts of all men, women, and children.  We need to properly catechize to our youth so they understand the faith.  

Just like salt is needed for proper body metabolism and light is needed for vitamin absorption, so is Christ in our spiritual lives!

Father, creator of unfailing light, give that same light to those who call to you.  May our lips praise you; our lives proclaim your goodness; our work give you honor, and our voices celebrate you forever. (Divine Office Morning Psalm Prayer)