Tuesday of the Tenth Week in Ordinary Time
Matthew 5: 13-16
Be Salt, Be Light – a mission rooted in love

In today’s Gospel, Jesus gives us a new identity: “You are the salt of the earth. You are the light of the world.” He doesn’t say, “Try to be,” or “Maybe you will become,” but you are. He is speaking to each one of us. This is our mission.

Salt gives flavour, it preserves, and it prevents decay. And so do we, when we resist the corruption of the world—not with arrogance, but with humility and truth. Being salt means keeping our hearts pure in a world that often celebrates dishonesty, pride, and selfishness. We are called to be different—not strange, not distant—but different in love, in mercy, in hope. Salt disappears in food, but without it, everything is tasteless. A Christian doesn’t draw attention to themselves but gives flavour to life, lifts others up, and preserves what is good in the world.

Then Jesus says: “You are the light of the world.” Light doesn’t exist for itself. It exists so others can see. We are not the source — Christ is the light — but we are called to reflect His light, especially where darkness is thick. In gossip, in prejudice, in despair — we are called to bring clarity, peace, and truth. Not with just words, but with actions. Our light shines through good works, works that reflect the love of God.

Jesus does not ask us to hide from the world. Instead, he sends us into it. The Christian is not someone who escapes the world’s problems, but one who, guided by the Spirit, brings healing, justice, and peace. Like Mary, the humble handmaid who bore the Light of the world, may we too carry Christ’s light into the darkest places, always ready to serve, to forgive, to love.

Be salt. Be light. This is the path of the Gospel.
Amen.

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Cum Approbatione Ecclesiastica 2025