Gospel MT 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?
It is no longer good for anything
but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.
You are the light of the world.
A city set on a mountain cannot be hidden.
Nor 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.
Just so, your light must shine before others,
that they may see your good deeds
and glorify your heavenly Father.”
Reflection:
“You are the salt of the earth.”
Scientific studies have shown that salt actually increases flavor by suppressing bitterness.
Interesting! This is what Jesus is telling us in today’s gospel.
If we “love one another” as Jesus told us, then we will suppress the bitterness in this world and the flavor of God will be enhanced for all people.
Jesus goes on to tell us, “You are the light of the world.”
The truth is that there are days when I feel like a dim, flickering bulb. Sometimes I feel like my light has gone out.
But, it is wonderful how God works. Just when I’m at my lowest point, someone will walk into My Brother’s Keeper or the Holy Cross Retreat House with a faded spirit.
They come because they need to “hear the message” of God’s love.
Almost subconsciously, the words start to flow.
The ageless tale of The Prodigal Son ripples forth from deep within me, and I see “the light” start to shine in the person’s eyes.
And then the strangest thing occurs.
Looking at the light in their eyes, the darkness within me starts to fade and the spirit of God begins to enhance my soul.
I have come to realize that God is not looking for perfect Christians.
He needs broken Christians who have the willingness and courage to expose their own brokenness, so that he may use them to heal a wounded world.
“The great illusion of leadership is to think that man can be led out of the desert by someone who has never been there.” Henri Nouwen, The Wounded Healer