First Reading: (Isaiah 58:7–10)
Responsorial Psalm: (Psalm 112:4–9)
R. The just man is a light in darkness to the upright.
Alleluia: (John 8:12)
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
I am the light of the world, says the Lord;
whoever follows me will have the light of life.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Gospel: (Matthew 5:13–16)
Reflection:
I made it to mass today at St. Augustine's in New City, NY. The 12 pm mass was packed. The priest started the homily by recalling the Christmas Eve Mass, where one candle was used to light up the rest in the candles in church as a symbol of light conquering darkness. He also reflected on the Beatitudes, on the question at the heart of every human life: How do we find true happiness? Jesus shows us that happiness is not found in self-assertion or self-indulgence, but in ordering our lives around Him.
Today, Jesus continues speaking, not only to the Twelve, but to a large crowd. And He gives us three powerful images: salt, light, and a city set on a hill. What is striking about all three is this: none of them exist for themselves. Salt exists for food. Light exists for others to see. A city on a hill exists as a guide and a refuge.
And this, I believe, is a key to true happiness: realizing that life is not about serving myself, but about loving others. As Jesus tells us, the greatest commandment is love, and love, at its core, is willing the good of the other, not the self.
Let’s begin with salt.
Today, salt is ordinary. We keep it on our dining room tables. It’s inexpensive and easy to replace. But in Jesus’ time, salt was precious-so valuable that people were sometimes paid with it. Hence the saying: “He’s worth his weight in salt. In fact the Roman soldier in ancient times were paid with salt and the very word salary is derived from salt. Let that sink in my friends.
And salt has two essential purposes: it adds flavor, and it preserves. We can all relate to these two qualities of salt especially those of us who had the privilege of growing up on farms where there were no refrigeration.
Jesus tells us that we are to be salt for the world. Our lives should add flavor-not bitterness, not judgment, but joy. Jesus says, “I came so that you might have life and have it to the full.” Christians should be joyful people.
And the question for us is simple: Do our lives bring out the goodness in the world around us? We do this not by imposing ourselves, but by seasoning the world, using the gifts God has given us. Do I know my gifts, and am I using them to give flavor to the world God loves?
The second image is light.
At first, this can feel confusing. Jesus is the Light of the world, so how can we be light? But then we realize: we are not the source of the light; we are called to reflect it, like the moon reflects the sun. The moon has no light of its own, yet on a clear night it can illuminate the earth so brightly it almost feels like day.
Do our lives reflect the light of Christ?
Isaiah tells us how: share your bread with the hungry, shelter the oppressed and homeless, clothe the naked. It sounds a lot like Matthew 25-the corporal works of mercy. When we serve others, we become light. And this parish has a lot of programs for the poor and people should check them out and see how they can assist those in need,
Think of Moses, who spoke with God face to face on Mount Sinai. When he came down the mountain, his face was radiant-so radiant that he had to veil it. He reflected the glory of God because he had been in God’s presence.
Or think of Mother Teresa, who told her sisters that every day they must spend an hour in adoration-and on the busiest days, two hours-because we cannot give what we do not have. Anyone who has encountered joyful religious sisters knows that their light comes from somewhere else. Christ is the source.
Spend sometime in adoration. It’s like marriage: the longer two people spend time together, the more they begin to look alike, speak alike, even finish each other’s sentences. The more time we spend with the Lord, the more we begin to reflect Him.
Today, nearly one-third of the world identifies as Christian. Imagine what the world would look like if all of us truly reflected the light of Christ. And yet, there is hope. Across the United States and beyond, RCIA groups are growing-especially among young people. People are catching the light. The Kingdom is stirring.
Jesus warns us not to hide that light under a bushel basket. He commands us to let it shine.
Finally, Jesus gives us the image of a city set on a hill-a city that cannot be hidden.
I think of Assisi, the hometown of St. Francis, built along a mountainside. Before GPS, cities like this served as guideposts for travelers-places of protection, direction, and hope. People would say, Go there, then turn west.
And the question for us is this: Are our lives guideposts? Do people look at us and say, I want to live like that because their life leads me closer to Christ?
Sadly, the opposite can also be true. I remember being in college, where Catholics were known not for their witness, but for hypocrisy-partying through the weekend and stumbling into Mass without conviction. That kind of life doesn’t draw people to Christ; it pushes them away.
So we must ask ourselves honestly: Is my life leading people closer to Jesus, or further away?
Jesus says, “They will see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father.” Not glorify us, but glorify God in us.
St. Augustine said it perfectly: “Let your life be a sermon.”
So this week, reflect on these three images:
Are you salt? Does your life add flavor and preserve what is good?
Are you light? Are you spending time with Christ so that His light can shine through you?
Are you a city set on a hill? What example are you setting for those who are watching?
And believe me-people are watching.
May our words and actions draw others not to ourselves, but to Christ, so that in everything, God may be glorified.
Amen
God bless you
To you by Pal Ronnie
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