The first defining characteristic of Jesus’ disciples is to be the salt of the earth. Salt has a clear purpose: it gives flavor. People use salt because it makes food more pleasant and enjoyable. It is striking that Jesus says, “Salt is good,” suggesting that Christians are meant to be a life-giving presence in the world. However, when believers live selfishly, they no longer bring flavor to life but instead make it difficult and even unbearable. In this way, salt loses its taste, and Christians cease to be a source of goodness and hope. If people are no longer drawn to Christianity, it may be because believers themselves have become bland in their witness—or, on the other extreme, so harsh that they become “too salty” and difficult to accept. This invites an important question: what kind of Christianity have we allowed others to experience? Anyone who cooks knows that adding salt requires discernment and balance; it must neither be lacking nor excessive, but used precisely to enhance flavor. In the same way, Christians are called to practice wisdom in their presence among others—offering solidarity with humility, discretion, and a deep awareness that their mission is to bring goodness and meaning to life.

The second defining characteristic of disciples is to be the light of the world. This presents a profound challenge: to live fully according to our true identity, for we cannot exist authentically without being light. Yet this is a unique kind of light, very different from the false light many seek by centering life on themselves. When existence is governed by ego and self-interest, people walk in darkness and fail to grasp the deeper meaning of life. Genuine light emerges only when individuals become a gift to others—especially to the poor, the lonely, and the abandoned. The prophet Isaiah reminds us in the first reading that when we open our hearts to the hungry and satisfy those who are afflicted, our light will rise in the darkness and our gloom will become like midday. Compassion and self-giving, therefore, are the true sources of spiritual illumination.

~ Fr. Jumz

BEING SALT AND LIGHT ONE SMALL CHOICE AT A TIME

I’ve been holding onto Jesus’ words from this Sunday’s Gospel: “You are the salt of the earth… You are the light of the world.” I love that He isn’t giving me a goal to chase — He’s telling me who I already am. Not someday, not when I’m ready, not after I’ve figured it all out — right now, I am salt. Right now, I am light. It honestly feels overwhelming. I wonder if someone like me, with my share of doubts and mess-ups, can really live up to that kind of purpose. But then I realize it isn’t about having it all together; it’s about letting the goodness God has put inside of me show up in the everyday moments, trusting that even my small efforts can make a difference for someone else.

Being salt isn’t about doing something grand or being in the spotlight. It’s in the quiet, simple ways I can leave a mark on the people and places that I touch. It’s in the gentle words I offer to a friend who feels unseen, in the patience I try to reach for when frustration happens, in the small acts of honesty and kindness in little things. I am learning to sprinkle hope into broken spaces, to bring gentleness in challenging moments, and to speak truth into confusion. Even when it seems insignificant, every choice adds flavor, every act of love preserves what is good, and every quiet effort carries a weight that God see. Salt does not demand recognition, it just quietly does its job, and somehow its presence changes everything.

Being light might seem a bit braver, but it begins the same way – in the ordinary, in the moments where courage feels small. It looks like refusing to keep quiet when love or truth is needed, offering a kind word when others gossip, standing up for someone who’s overlooked, and sticking to what’s right, even when a shortcut looks tempting. Light doesn’t argue with the dark; it just shows up and shines. That’s the kind of life I want to live—to shine softly but steadily, brightening even the dim corners around me. I may never see how far my choices reach, but I trust that God can turn even the tiniest flicker into something much bigger. He’s already given me this light; now it’s up to me to let it glow. I will rise, I will shine, and in the quiet bravery of everyday moments, I hope to become a living spark—a sign of His love, a ray of hope, a reminder that even one willing heart can scatter darkness and bring the warmth and flavor of God’s light to the world.

~ LINN

LET GOD’S LIGHT SHINE THROUGH YOU

A faith lived by heart means sharing the Gospel through words and deeds. To become the salt of the earth as God calls us to be is to preserve goodness despite the evil in the world by remaining pure in heart and intentions while others work with ill motives, to choose generosity instead of selfishness, to be honest amidst the dishonesty of many, to foster gratitude instead of greed, and to speak of peace while others speak with violence.

To be the light of the world is to draw others to God by letting our faith be seen and felt by our neighbors. Having experienced God’s goodness in my life, it’s my desire to encourage people to open their hearts to Him by sharing the Word. The fruits of our faith driven by our love for God are the strongest witness to His love and glory. Let us be the spark of light that the people living in the dark may need for them to see God: the True Light of the world that illuminates our lives. As Jesus said in John 8:12 ,“I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

As a faithful who is still growing in virtue, it is a struggle to constantly practice compassion, mercy, peace, and humility due to our self-centered tendencies; hence, it is important to remind ourselves to be consistent in prayer as only through this can we remain rooted in Him and receive the grace to be a reflection of His goodness for others. Let us embody Christ’s presence in us by allowing His light to be seen through us.

~ JUDY

PRAYER TO START THE WEEK

Lord, help me to live as Your salt and light, bringing hope, kindness, and truth into the world around me. Give me courage to shine even in the ordinary moments and to let Your love guide my words and actions. May my life quietly reflect You, scattering darkness and pointing others to Your goodness. Amen.

Originally published in the Neo Jeremiah Voice of the Young Prophet Newsletter (February 8, 2025 issue).