Today Jesus coins a phrase that we continue to use today. He tells His disciples: “You are the salt of the earth.”  What does that phrase mean to us? What characteristics would we  use to describe a person that  we  consider to be “the salt of the earth?” Down to earth? Practical? Sensible? Caring? Most likely all of us are “salt of the earth” in a variety of ways. However, Jesus also says that if we lose our “saltiness,” we also lose our tastiness and then we are not good for anything! Is that what we desire?

Jesus also tells His disciples (and us): “You are the light of the world.” This is a powerful and yet perhaps an intimidating statement. Light is essential in many ways. Plants cannot grow without light. Light enables us to see more clearly. If we do not have light, we stumble and struggle through life. And if we take Jesus’ words seriously, we need to share our light with everyone we encounter.

Do we truly consider ourselves  the “the light of the world?” If  we  answer yes, how do we  share our light? What acts do we do that bring light to other people? What are the gifts of light we share with others: a smile, a kind act, noticing someone who needs some help or encouragement, reaching out to someone who is lonely, sitting with a friend who is ill or simply sharing a flower or fresh tomato from your garden? These are small acts but they are filled with light.

Now, let’s shift the focus. What are the arenas of our lives  where our light may be dim or perhaps even extinguished? What is the cause of the loss of light? Do we  sense any glimmer of light beginning to shine in this arena of our life? How do we experience God in this situation?

Our light is not our creation. God chose to make us creatures of “light.” Our light is not ours; it is a share of God’s light. Nor is our light to be hoarded. Our light has been given to us to share with our family, friends, the strangers we meet, and our world. Today may  we  consciously and generously let our light shine! After all, our light comes from God, thus it truly is God’s light that is shining through us!

Our world is in desperate need of light. There is a tremendous amount of darkness, pain, tragedy, loneliness and sadness in our world. Today and every day, the world needs your light and my light! Together we can light up the world with God’s light and love!