The Similes of Salt and Light

The Sunday Gospel [Feb. 06, 2011]

Matthew 5: 13-16

The Similes of Salt and Light

[Jesus said to his disciples:] 13“You are the salt of the earth. But if salt loses its taste, with what can it be seasoned? It is no longer good for anything but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. 14You are the light of the world. A city set on a mountain cannot be hidden. 15Nor do they light a lamp and then put it under a bushel basket; it is set on a lampstand, where it gives light to all in the house. 16Just so, your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father.”

Reflection 

[Jesus said,] “You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid … In the same way your light must shine before people, so that they will see the good things you do and praise your Father in heaven.” ~ vv. 14, 16

One Sunday morning after church services my neighbor’s little girl asked her mother to explain the pastor’s text for the day, “Let your light shine.”

“Why, it means to let your life shine by being good and obedient,” her mother replied. A bit later she heard a commotion in the children’s play area followed by her daughter’s shout, “Mother, I think I just blew out my light.” ~ Arthur Tonne, 1000 Stories you can use

How do we make our light shine before others? The first reading gives us a doable answer: Share your food with the hungry; clothe the naked; provide shelter for the homeless and be compassionate to those around you. Then our light will shine and our prayers will be answered.

“Lighthouses blow no horns; they only shine.” ~ Dwight L. Moody

Note: The Reflection is from Bro. Abel Navarro (you can visit his blog at http://myblogabelnavarro-abel.blogspot.com/)