In today’s Gospel, Jesus gives His disciples a new identity. He does not say, “Try to become salt” or “Aim to be light.” He says, plainly: “You are the salt of the earth… You are the light of the world.” This is who we are because we belong to Him. Salt and light do not exist for themselves. Salt gives flavor and preserves; light reveals and guides. In the same way, a disciple of Christ is not called to live a private or self-centred faith, but a faith that touches, heals, and transforms the world.
This identity finds its challenge and clarity in the words of the prophet Isaiah. God rejects empty religion and speaks clearly about the fast He desires: to break unjust chains, to share bread with the hungry, to shelter the homeless, to clothe the naked, and to care for our own brothers and sisters.
Here, God teaches us that true worship is lived out in justice, mercy, and compassion. A faith that does not change how we treat others loses its flavor just like salt that has gone flat.
Saint Paul, in the second reading, reminds us that this Christian life is not built on impressive words or human wisdom. He came with simplicity, humility, and trust in the power of God. The light we shine is not our own brilliance; it is the light of Christ working through ordinary people who depend on Him.
When we live this way, Isaiah’s promise is fulfilled: “Then your light shall break forth like the dawn.” Our good works do not point to us, but to God. As Jesus says, “Let your light shine before others, that they may glorify your Father in heaven”.
As followers of Christ we are to know that:
Dear brothers and sisters, to follow Jesus is to accept this identity and its demands. The world does not need louder Christians, but truer ones, disciples whose lives make God’s love believable. If we allow Christ to season our lives with love and set our hearts on fire with His light, then the world will see, and God will be glorified.
Your Priest,
Fr. Anthony Dim
