By Fr. Eric Asamoah
John 1:29-34
On this fifth Sunday of ordinary time, the Holy Mother Church reminds us that she is a light in the dark. Hence, she reminds her children that the light will be brighter if all Christians try to be Christ-like.
Becoming more like Jesus, who is the light of the world, is our way of bringing hope to a hurting world. This includes feeding the hungry, caring for the afflicted, housing the homeless, clothing the naked are acts of mercy and justice, as in CAST. When we share our resources and help those in need, our light will shine brightly, and we will experience God’s presence in our lives. “Then your light shall rise in the darkness, and your gloom shall become like midday” (Isa 58:10)
Jesus calls us to be salt of the earth, emphasizing our role as preservers of truth and goodness in the world. In Leviticus 2:13, salt signifies the need for cleansing and consecration, emphasizing the importance of approaching God with pure intentions. Salt was also a symbol of God’s activity in a person’s life. This is because salt penetrates, preserves, and aids in healing. So, when Christ calls us “salt,” He wants us to make a difference in our world. We must penetrate and preserve our world from moral, spiritual, physical, or environmental decay.
Salt adds flavor to food and keeps it from going bad. We can be salt of the earth by growing in a relationship with Christ through the daily pursuit of Him through His word and through prayer. We seek to influence others positively as Christians by showing them the unconditional love of Christ through charitable deeds. Jesus wants us to be “the salt of the earth” and “the light of the world.” Being salt and light is not optional. Being salt and light is not just a choice but a responsibility that all of us are called to fulfill in our daily lives.
The Responsorial psalm of today says; The righteous are people who rise in darkness like light. They are gracious, merciful, generous, and steadfast. Our faith is not meant to be private in the sense of being invisible; it should shine through our kindness, honesty, compassion, and courage. When people see our good works, they should be led not to praise us, but to glorify our Father in heaven. Those who act with kindness and integrity will be blessed and honored. Amen.