You are the salt of the earth and the light of the world

Ish 58:7-10, Heb. 2: 1-5, Mat. 5:13-16. Being the Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A, the Church challenges us to model what a truly human society should be to the world by fighting injustice and attending to basic human needs. Today's first reading, features one of the great appeals for social justice in the Old Testament. Israel complained that they fasted and has no response from God. In reply God explains the kind of ‘fast’ Israel needs to undertake: not one involving penitential ritual but a ‘fast’ from injustice. Refraining from indifference and violence towards the weak and the community gets social justice right, then all else will fall in place. Twice (verses 8 and 10) Israel is reminded that social justice will cause its ‘light’ to shine. Thus, Israel is summoned to become a "light to the nations" by being a model of what a truly human society should be.

It is at this point that the prophetic text becomes most relevant as a background for the brief extract from the Sermon on the Mount that forms today's Gospel. Jesus is so definite in what His followers should be: "You are the salt of the earth, you are the light of the world." The community of disciples has the vocation to preserve (‘salt’) and to model (‘light’) something for the rest of the world. Paul’s description in the second reading of the vulnerable way in which he approached the community in Corinth illustrates this disposition. In this way the community that is receives the ‘Torah’ for the Messianic age will reclaim the vocation of Israel as spelled out in the first reading. One thing that salt and light have in common is that they make a difference wherever they are. Christians are not called to blend into the world. Rather, our Christianity must permeate the world with our values, good works and example of love. Isaiah points out the ways that we can be salt and light: feed the hungry, provide shelter for the homeless, clothe the naked, be there for our family and avoid selfishness, arrogance and greed.

May the Lord help us to utilise our talents and touch others through sincere and genuine show of love, care and concern, that we may bring light to illuminate the path of others who are still enshrouded by the darkness of uncertainty and sin! Amen!! Good morning and happy Sunday!!!