1 Minute Gospel. Salt and light

Reading

Matthew 5:13-16

13 “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.
14 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

Comment

The images of salt and light clearly attest that Jesus wishes his disciples to be able to influence the reality touched by their preaching and life witness. As a "preservative" the "salt" of the disciples counteracts the moral decay of the world, but it also adds flavor, making the world a better place. Salt is a remedy for tasteless dishes but there is no remedy for tasteless salt.

The lamp is used to illuminate the darkness and there is no point in hiding it. Citizens of the kingdom of God are light and must shine before men; seeing the good works they will be moved to love and serve God.

Jesus defines himself as the light of the world (Jn 8:12); believers participate in his light through the gift of grace.

Far from fleeing the world, Jesus invites us to witness, to contribute to the glory of God. A witness that can be expressed with an active commitment in the community and in the life of the polis, or that can become eloquent silence when in contemplative solitude we become a living sign of the love for the only necessary good (Mt 19:17).

Prayer

Confirm us, o Lord, in the faithful testimony of your gospel of salvation; so that the world may sanctify your name. Amen.

- Rev. Dr. Luca Vona