the e-Testament
Matthew 5: 13-16
Salt and Light
“Let me tell you why you are here. You’re here to be salt-seasoning that brings out the God-flavours of this earth. If you lose your saltiness, how will people taste godliness? You’ve lost your usefulness and will end up in the garbage.
“Here’s another way to put it: You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colours in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I’m putting you on a light stand. Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven.
Prayer
Dear God,
Whether the sun is shining,
The clouds are hiding,
Or the rains are storming,
May we always learn to lean on You.
When we lose our way and struggle to find hope,
Fall down and cannot get back up,
Or see the good in our ways which we have learnt,
May we remind ourselves to trust in You.
We pray that we remember how You are our light,
That You are the centre of our heart and soul,
How You knew us even before we were born,
May we never stop loving You.
Amen.
Lyrics: Hall of Fame by The Script ft. will.i.am
Reflection
The heart and soul of a human being is as important as salt is to life on earth. What would people be like without a heart and soul – and especially one rooted in God? When we fall down and lose our ways, do we not ask God for His guidance and help, in trying to find a way forward? Of course, we do, because deep down inside, we are aware that God knows our inner most desires. At times, we may ignore and even doubt God, but, when we offer ourselves to Him, we can see God in everything, if we are to open ourselves fully to Him.
When God lifts us up, we can see the light in continuing on the path which God has in store for us. When we return to our path, and are back on our way, do we stop to thank God? Sometimes we do once off, briefly, or maybe even occasionally. How often is it that we thank God continuously despite our triumphs and trials and tribulations in life? Without God’s pure love, we would not be able to have the strength and courage to have faith in Him, in ourselves, and in others – and thus our hearts and souls would slowly start to dim over time. After such a time without God, with fading hearts and souls, our light would burn out like flames on candle wicks.
Let us allow ourselves to thank God for everything as He is at the heart and soul of our lives. With every moment, breath, and step that we take, God is always by our side, and waiting for us to communicate with Him. Let us lean on God, love God, and trust God with all that we are; especially with our hearts and souls; no matter what we are enduring; for God is our strength and source of hope.
Br Gregory Echegwo SDB