Gospel: Matthew 5, 13 – 16
Jesus said to his disciples: “You are the salt of the earth. But if salt loses its taste, with what can it be seasoned? It is no longer good for anything but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.
You are the light of the world. A city set on a mountain cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and then put it under a bushel basket; it is set on a lamp-stand, where it gives light to all in the house. Just so, your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father.”
Homily
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As we search for identity, the Gospel reading for this weekend reminds us of our deepest identity. We are children of our heavenly Father and we glorify him by acting out of this identity.
Jesus tells his disciples in a very positive manner who they are; “You are the salt of the earth” and “You are the light of the world.” Notice that Jesus does not exhort them to become the salt of the earth or light of the world. He tells them that they are the salt of the earth and the light of the world and exhorts them to be true to their identity otherwise they are as useless as savour-less salt or a light under a bushel basket.
As persons who have been baptized and confirmed we are disciples of Jesus and our identity is salt of the earth and light of the world. The Gospel passage of this weekend reminds us of this and calls us to be true to our identity.
As most people know, salt makes food tasty and enjoyable and to be salt of the earth is to make the earth and earthly living enjoyable for all those around us. It is no wonder that in T&T we call some persons; “A saltfish” meaning that he/she is a nice person to be around. That person normally brings with his/her presence laughter, happiness and wellbeing. When one is a “saltfish” one is also a “Light in the world” showing how one goes about building the harmony, happiness and peace which is God’s desire for and gift to the world.
This is how the saints lived and it is because of this understanding of sainthood that the saying; “a sad saint is a sorry saint” arose. That is why Blessed Teresa of Calcutta radiated happiness around herself and was at home among paupers as much as she was at home among princes and rulers. St. Francis loved all of God’s creation. He even preached to the birds! He is the patron saint of animals. He was known for the peace and happiness which he exuded and which affected all those around him. Our own beloved Archbishop Pantin was also known for his infectious humour and his ability to raise people’s spirits even in moments of national crisis, like the 1990 coup attempt. Truly these three persons were salt of the earth and light of the world. You and I disciples of Jesus have the same identity as they did. Like them we have to be true to our identity bringing with our presence laughter, happiness and wellbeing and showing how one goes about building the harmony, happiness and peace which is God’s desire for and gift to the world.
Prayer
All powerful and ever-loving God today you remind us of our true identity, children of God the Father and Salt of the earth and Light of the world. Help us to be true to our identity bringing with our presence laughter, happiness and wellbeing and showing how one goes about building the harmony, happiness and peace which is Your desire for and gift to the world. We ask this through the intercession of Mary our Mother and Jesus, your Son. Amen
