February 5, 2017: Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time

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.” (Matthew 5:13-16)

Reflection

Jesus said to his disciples … Guess what? That’s you and me! Jesus calls us “the salt of the earth” and the “light of the world.” Christians are meant to add flavor to life, to season life with love and kindness and goodness. If we don’t, Jesus tells us, we’re good for nothing! So, too, we are “light,” expected to shine before others with good deeds, not so we’ll be praised, but that God gets the glory.

Action

Every time you use a salt shaker this week, be reminded that you are to be salt to others. Every time you switch on a light, be reminded that your deeds can lift the darkness others are experiencing.