Scripture Reflection – Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time (4-5 Feb 2017)

In the gospel for this weekend Jesus uses two very poignant metaphors: salt and light. Jesus says that we are to be salt of the earth and the light of the world.

In the time of Jesus salt was a very valuable commodity for cooking and the preserving of meat. Lamp light was essential for life after dark both in the home and sometimes in the street.

“You are the salt of the earth.” Salt is only valuable when it is applies to food. It does not ADD flavour – rather it draws the flavour from the food. However, it must be added in the right amount otherwise it will destroy the flavour and the meal. We continue to use salt to preserve meats today and it can me a good way of fighting infections such as a sore throat.

Today, we Christians are charged with being ‘salt’ to our world by our witness to our beliefs and faith. We cannot compromise either. Jesus also says that if salt looses it flavour it is good for nothing. The Greek word moraine has more than two meanings: it can mean “to loose taste” but it can also mean “to become foolish.” For St Matthew, then, foolishness refers to those to fail to heed the words of scripture and will suffer the consequences of the actions.

“You are the Light of the world.” The word kosmos in Greek is often used to mean the world that is opposed to God – the kosmos loves darkness in opposition to light and life. People do evil things in the dark so that they are detected. Jesus calls us to bring his light into our kosmos both globally, socially and personally so that his light may enliven and illumine our lives.

We cannot hide our Christ light – a city built on a hill top can be seen for kilometres and is a beacon for those traveling to it. A light on a lampstand gives depth and proportion to a room while creating a welcoming ambience for those in it. Our vocation is to bring the light of God’s love for all people so that they may become more life giving.