Today's Mass Reflection: Salt, Light, and the Power of Presence

Today felt almost too good to be true. I made it to daily Mass at noon in the chapel. It was just the three of us: myself, a medical equipment salesman, and the priest. The simplicity of it made it even more profound. When you attend a Mass with only three people, full participation isn't just encouraged, it becomes inevitable. And that’s the beauty of it. You receive everything.

The homily was brief but struck deeply. The priest spoke about the importance of integrity—letting our "yes" mean yes and our "no" mean no. 

It reminded me of the words from Matthew 5:37:-"Let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No’; anything more than this comes from the evil one."

 He emphasized that as Christians, we are not called to live double lives or to be double-minded. The call is to sincerity, clarity, and truth.

Then came the rich imagery from the Gospel—Jesus speaking about salt and light.

 

Matthew 5:13-16 reads:

 "You are the salt of the earth; but if salt loses its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet.

 You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house.

 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven."

Salt, such a simple substance, transforms food and preserves life. Without its flavor and preserving power, it becomes useless. Jesus’ use of salt as a metaphor is powerful. Just as salt changes everything it touches, we too are called to bring life, truth, and preservation to the world around us. And light, so vital, dispels darkness. A candle hidden under a table is ineffective. But when elevated, it brings clarity and direction to all.

We prayed together, asking the Holy Spirit to grant us discernment to truly be the salt of the earth and the light of the world. We lifted up prayers for the hospital and its administration, the patients and their families, and for all the caregivers who serve daily in love and sacrifice.

Amen.