Homily, February 5th, 2023
From The Pastor
The spiritual images of salt and light are two of the most effective symbols used by Jesus. They are readily and universally known and recognized. In their common usage, one may argue which is of greater value or importance. As a preservative, salt is indispensable. Though much more subjective, as a flavor enhancer food would not be the same without salt. Who would eat popcorn with no salt. French fry consumption would tumble if they lacked the enticement of salt. Who would eat warm pretzels without salt? Many eat specific foods just because they are salty.
As a spiritual image, light has a wider expression of usage. Even practically, who wants to live in the dark? Houses are built and designed to offer the greatest amount of natural light. Light is an element that offers functional and emotional security. Light is an image of goodness, openness, and transparency. Light reveals things hidden either exposing the goodness of truth or the darkness of secrecy and deception.
Spiritually, the first reading relays an effective image of light through Isaiah the Prophet. ‘Share your bread with the hungry, shelter the oppressed and the homeless, clothe the naked when you see them, and do not turn your back on your own. Then, your light shall break forth like the dawn, and your wound shall quickly be healed.’ The light of goodness heals the wounded soul and inspires surety of faith. As a Prophet, Isaiah makes clear that the light of justice will rise and defeat the darkness of oppression. This becomes the core mission and identity of Jesus.
Immediately following from the Beatitudes of last week, Jesus says directly to his disciples, “You are the salt of the earth… You are the light of the world…” This association is intentional and is the nature of all who choose to follow Jesus.
Why is Jesus so clear about this?
In the case of salt, it is the opposite that makes the meaning clear. Un-salty salt is insipid, tasteless and without value. In Greek, insipid means “to become foolish, or unwise”. Jesus uses the image as it relates to those who believe in him. One might say, the ‘salt of faith’ brings flavor to all who come into its company. Salt preserves faith as it flavors the creativity and commitment of the believer who then enhances the lives of others.
If the disciple loses his or her salt, it becomes tasteless, ineffective and the believer has lost what was meant to be. If faith loses its salt, it is no longer able to accomplish its purpose with creativity or flavor. This is the cautionary message of Jesus to his followers. Have faith in such a way that you enhance and make the lives of those you encounter better.
Through Baptism, we are made children of the light. That is to say that we bear within ourselves the light of Christ. This light has many faces. It may be seen as the light of faith, goodness, virtue, or honesty. It may be revealed as the light of truth against oppression, deception, or sin. The light we bear is the light of Christ, with the purpose to make a difference in the world. When saved, preserved, or hidden, its value is lost. Each of us has the light of Christ in a uniquely given way that no other person has. If we hide our light, some good the world needs will go unrealized.
This is the image of the city set on a hill. It is an image of the Church that cannot be hidden. As Christians, the light of Christ in us must be seen, not for our good, but for the revelation of God’s glory. The light of our goodness, in whatever expression it takes, makes God more evident and perceptible in the world. God must be seen in the world through those who believe in Jesus and make him present through the salt of their deeds and the light of their goodness.
The light of goodness hidden under a bushel is impotent, without effect, and tasteless. When placed so that it may be seen by all, God is made present and available to those who seek Him. Letting your light shine before others is not for the sake of your personal ego, but for the revelation of God’s glory. “Your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father.”
Check the salt and light of your faith. Does the salt of your faith enhance the lives of others in need or bring goodness to those around you? As a person of light, do your good works increase love in the world? Service done without love lacks salt and light. They become the bland works of duty that reveal little light.
In Christ, you are a light to the world. Let your goodness be known. The world will be better and God will be glorified.
Father John Esper
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