people will trample on it. You are the light of the world. A city built on a mountain
cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and covers it; instead, it is put on a
lampstand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, your
light must shine before others, so that they may see the good you do, and praise
your Father in heaven.

Reflect

“The salt of the earth.” Today’s Gospel describes the followers of Jesus to be
“the salt of the earth” and “the light of the world.” The imagery of the light that is
accentuated in the second part of the Gospel appears to be already common to
many people. As Christians, our light must shine. If we want to become the light
of the world, we are called to set good examples to other people. However, there
is another imagery used in the first part of the Gospel – the salt. Jesus’ followers
are also called to become the salt of the earth. And it is part of our calling to
keep our saltiness. Now then, what does it mean when we, the salt of the earth,
become tasteless? In Greek, the verbal form used is mōranthē from the
verb mōrainō, which means “to become tasteless.” In Matthew’s Gospel, this verb
only appears in this passage. This verb may also mean “to cause the content
of certain thoughts to become meaningless.” When we begin to feel that life seems
to be senseless, we hold on to Jesus and he will fill our life with meaning. In the
end, it is Jesus who has the power to bring our saltiness back.

© Copyright Bible Diary 2024