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 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.” Matthew 5:13-16
Reflect today on the metaphor of being the salt of the earth. Salt can add flavor to food. Jesus, by calling the disciples the salt of the earth, was telling them to enhance the flavor of the world by spreading the Gospel and His message to others. Salt was also used for preservation. By the disciples being the salt of the earth, they were helping preserve the world from moral decay through their witness and proclamation of the Gospel. Lastly, salt held a significant role in religious practices symbolizing purity and consecration. The disciples, through their example of holiness, self-sacrifice and participation in Christ’s redemptive work, reflected their role in purifying the world. We are to be the salt of the earth. We should not become watered down in our faith. We need to be pure and steadfast in remaining faithful to Christ and His Gospel, so we transform the world around us.