Mt 5:13–16 – Salt and Light of the Earth
Pope Francis, referring to Matthew’s text, entitles it “The holiness of everyday life”: being salt and light for others.
Without a doubt, this is a great challenge for each of us, and it invites us to be attentive to how we can make it a reality.
In a world where we have recently experienced the pain and anguish of war, violence, drugs, the loss of meaning in life, and other harsh realities, we ask ourselves: what should we do, and how can we be the light and salt that Jesus asks of us?
But Jesus does not ask us to solve everything. We can pray, and even make some sacrifice to obtain peace, but… save the world? Jesus asks us to be salt and light in everyday life, alongside those with whom we share life and mission. He asks us to change the world through our attitude of closeness to our brothers and sisters.
Why salt, and what for? Salt helps preserve food, but only a small amount is needed; its role is to season, and then it disappears into the food being prepared. This calls us to be like salt: at the service of those who need us, and also to be humble, because when we are salt for others, it is not that a person changes their life because of our action, but rather it is an invitation for them to be open to the action of God, who is the One who acts and helps us to be His witnesses and creators of those new heavens and a new earth that God also hopes will come about.
In the Old Testament, there is mention of the Covenant of salt, which was God’s covenant with Israel, since it was enduring and ensured the permanence of the people chosen by God (Num 18:19). The offering was seasoned to recall this everlasting covenant.
That is why the disciples of Jesus are called the salt of the earth, because they bring the world into God’s Covenant.
The same is true of light, which shines where there is darkness and closed hearts: giving light so that life may flow, and so that we may be protagonists of change.
God enlightens us so that we may enlighten others, always through gestures of closeness that take shape in a gaze full of light and joy, a shared moment, a visit to someone in need, someone who is sick, and very often to people who feel alone. A shared moment with those closest to us, with those with whom we share life—something that is sometimes more difficult than being with those who are far away.
This is the holiness of everyday life and Jesus’ invitation for us to fulfill our mission. The fruits of the light are goodness, justice, truth, love, and hope. We will experience difficulties in being salt and light, for change is not easy, but we are not alone: Jesus accompanies our actions, and He is the One who makes each of our mornings new. We place ourselves in His hands.
An example of how to be light and salt is found in the saints, who already enjoy the presence of God and continue to be models for our lives. In our Dominican family, we have many examples of such intercession. Today we give thanks for them as models of holiness and ask that they always accompany us.
Finally, Pope Francis proposes a prayer for each day: Today, have I been light and salt for others? A prayer of thanksgiving and petition so that this may be our mission with His help.
Final Prayer:
Help me, Lord, to be salt and light for others.
May my eyes be yours,
may my embrace convey strength,
may my smile draw others closer to you,
may my hands bring your tenderness,
may my feet open paths toward You,
and may your blessing give strength to our mission. Amen.
