The Christian Identity: Flavoring and Lighting the World
-
February 7, 2026Last week, Jesus began his Sermon on theMount by inviting and challenging us through the beatitudes. We were reminded of being blessed if we live the ways of God as opposed to what the world can offer us. This Sunday,Jesus continues to deepen his sermon by telling us: "You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? ... You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden." (Matthew5:13-16)
Salt is used to preserve food, bring flavor and taste, and in the time of Jesus, it symbolizes purity. As he invites us to be the salt of the earth, he calls us to preserve the divine virtues and values in this world where there are so much negativity and indifference. Salt might have an unnoticeable presence, but its absence is undeniable. The same is true with the effect of our life patterned after the teachings ofJesus. At times, we might seem to be insignificant, but our absence can have an impact in the lives of people. However, if we become complacent and lose our values and virtues, like the salt, our presence becomes meaningless and we can lose as well the essence of our identity as Christians.
Jesus also invites us to be the light of the world.We are meant to shine amid darkness; we are meant to bear the light of Christ and bring them to others, we, who hear the Word of God are supposed to illuminate the path for our brothers and sisters who are in search for truth, direction and the meaning and purpose of life. Here minds us not to “light a lamp and then put it under the bushel basket; it is set on a lamp-stand, where it gives light to all in the house.” Our identity as followers of Jesus, having those Christian virtues and values, must continue to shine in this world. We should always be a visible sign of God’s presence among peoples and so living witnesses of His love and mercy in a world that at times marred with unfaithfulness and selfishness. We are challenged to stand out and be an instrument ofGod’s goodness and grace.
Each day is an invitation for us to be the salt of the earth and light of the world, making a difference no matter how big or small it may be, - a word of encouragement, an act of kindness, are fusal to join in any form of gossip, a small act of generosity, a tap on the shoulder of a person who is in trouble, a sweet smile to someone who is having a bad day — these are the grains of salt and rays of light that can transform our world and make it a better place to live in.