You Are The Light

In today’s Gospel, Jesus gives us a new identity: “You are the salt of the earth. You are the light of the world.” He doesn’t say, “Try to be” or “Perhaps you will become,” but rather, he says, you are. Jesus is speaking to each one of us.  Therefore, this is our mission.

Salt adds flavor, preserves, and prevents decay. And so do we, when we resist the corruption of the world, not with arrogance but with humility and truth.

To be salt means to keep our hearts pure in a world that often celebrates dishonesty, pride, and selfishness. We are called to be different—not strange or distant, but different in love, in mercy, and in hope. Salt disappears into food, but without it, everything is tasteless. A Christian doesn’t draw attention to themselves, but rather adds flavor to life, uplifts others, and preserves what is good in the world.

Then Jesus says, “You are the light of the world.” Light does not exist for its own sake. It exists so that others may see. We are not the source. Christ is the light, but we are called to reflect his light, especially where the darkness is thickest. When there is gossip, prejudice, and despair, as missionary disciples of Christ, we are called to bring clarity, peace, and truth. Not only with words, but with actions. Our light shines through good works, works that reflect the love of God.

Jesus does not ask us to hide from the world. Instead, he sends us into the world. A Christian is not someone who flees from the world’s problems, but someone who, guided by the Holy Spirit, brings healing, justice, and peace. Like Mary, the humble servant who gave birth to the Light of the World, may we too carry the light of Christ to the darkest places, always ready to serve, forgive, and love.

Let us be an intercultural Christian community that is salt and light. This is the way of the Gospel. Trust in his word, and believe that true happiness lies in giving and loving.

May the Lord always give you his peace.

Fr. Lalo Jara, OFM
Pastor, Mission San Luis Rey Parish