We are all familiar with two of the images that Jesus uses to describe the role of believers in the world. Jesus tells us that we are to be salt and to be light. 

 

There is a temptation, perhaps, to pass over these images, considering them to be pious exhortations to encourage us. But deep down, they are a call for us to fully play out our role and fulfill the task that God has given to the Church in the world.

 

In Matthew’s Gospel Jesus tells us, “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” (Mt. 5: 13).

 

The image of salt is understandable even in our modern times. Salt gives a widespread and uplifting taste to food. Just a little bit spread throughout makes a positive difference. 

 

Salt is also a preservative. It removes the water from the food and so limits bacterial activity, contributing to better health.

 

Our bodies also need salt for our own health. A lack of sodium, often obtained from salt, leaves the human body vulnerable to various symptoms and problems.

 

In some ways we intuit these realities and so we can be pleased to know that we have an important role in the world. We are that salt. But Jesus immediately described the failure of salt, when it has lost its taste and becomes insipid. Like flat soda or beer, this missing component changes everything.

 

To be salt is, then, first and foremost to live as a witness to ourselves and to Christ about the reality and depth of our faith. But even more, we are the salt of the earth. All of human nature, each and every person and community, needs Christ, even if they don’t know that explicitly or accept that reality. 

 

As our society increasingly becomes secular, built without reference to God, how important it is for us to be salt in our families and communities. We need to bring the knowledge of God’s will that has been entrusted to us, with its joys and especially its sacrifices, to daily life. Others must see us and wonder not only why we are different, but most especially why we are also joyful.

 

If we fail to live as that salt, if we have lost the savor that we must add to society and family and moral life, our Lord is severe in His comments. We will have lost our purpose and can be discarded and trampled upon.

 

Similarly Jesus tells us, “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 lampstand, 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” (Mt. 5: 14-16).

 

Light gives warmth and a sense of gathering, especially at night. But it also points the way so that we don’t fall or get lost. Again, this sounds so positive. But Jesus warns us against hiding our light or taking refuge out of sight. Others need the light that we bear.

 

In this time of so much confusion and turmoil, we must resist the temptation to simply try to ride things out or to keep our heads down. It has been the role of the Church and the faithful throughout history, in good times and difficult ones, to witness to Jesus.

 

We are to be salt and light. Those are deeply important elements in life and in the world. Others need to see our witness so that they too might be drawn to faith.