Be The Light To Guide and The Salt To Heal and Preserve

Homily For The Fifth Sunday In The Ordinary Time, Year A, February 5, 2023

Learn to light a candle in the darkest moments of someone’s life. Be the light that helps others see; it is what gives life its deepest significance. –Roy T.

Sunday Readings

I welcome you to another soul-touching encounter with the life-giving word of God. Today in a very eloquent manner God reminds us of our inherent qualities as light and salt of the world. We must let the light of good words and works shine in a world bedeviled by the darkness of sin: unkindness, greed, wickedness, and pride. We are also called to be salt to heal those who have been broken and shattered by the sad experiences of life and to preserve the values of the gospel.

Just as light illumines a path in the darkness of the night, you are called to be light that shines on the path of those you meet daily. It means showing others the way that leads to life and success. We cause darkness in the life of people when we make life unbearable for them; when we fail to let them experience the goodness and kindness of God through us; when we lead them astray.

In our first reading, the prophet Isaiah gives us concrete examples of how we are to allow the light of God to shine through us. “Share your bread with the hungry, shelter the oppressed and the homeless, clothe the naked when you see them, and not turn your back on your own. Then light shall rise for you in the darkness, and the gloom shall become for you like midday” (58:7, 10).

No one can argue that in life what we give to others is often what we receive and even more. Many are prosperous today because God blessed them for being generous. The word of God says in Luke 6:38: “Give, and it will be given to you…For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.” Isaiah emphasized it when he says…then the light will rise for you in the darkness. It is religious self-deception to think that you can ignore those who really need your help and whom God knows you can help, and then turn to the same God for a favor. If for instance, you want a fruit of the womb you can begin by showing extraordinary kindness to little children or even adopting one. Many have in such ways found favor with God. Did Abraham’s generosity to the three strangers in Gen 18 not come with a blessing?

To be a light unto others is a fundamental Christian attitude, likewise being salt. Being a Christian is not an appellation, it is a missionary designation that uniquely identifies those whose responsibility is to be another Christ to others. We are extensions of God’s divine presence. A bad Christian is worse than a pagan. Not only are we called to be bearers of light, but we are also assured of God’s unending blessings that flow from our good works. So it isn’t an exercise in futility. Isaiah was clear on this when he says: “Gloom shall become for you like midday, “. This is true of those who don’t neglect to do good work for others.

St. Paul’s experience in the second reading teaches us that when we do good to others, even if it costs us suffering and death, it will demonstrate God’s Spirit and power, and we will become the salt of the earth and the light of the world that Jesus challenges us to become in today’s Gospel.

In the Gospel, Jesus challenges us to be the light and the salt of the earth. One important characteristic of light is that it is a guide. Take the traffic light as an instance. Imagine what could happen if all traffic lights were off in the middle of heavy traffic. Traffic lights are excellent driving guides that must be obeyed at all times to remain safe on the road. As Christians, we are called to guide others as traffic light guides drivers, especially our weak brothers, and sisters, to God. We are to guide them to make the right choices in life and do the right things at all times. Christ strongly emphasized the kind of punishment that will be given to anyone who leads those who believe in Him astray ( cf. Luke 18:6). We are called to be a warning light to our fellow men and women, warding them away from danger. Our warnings will be effective if they are given, not in anger, not in irritation, not in criticism, not in condemnation, but in love so they may be effective.

Our light is meant to be seen. People must experience our kindness and generosity. Through our good words of consolation and encouragement, people will know we are Christians, and not by a deceptive lifestyle. These days, it is not surprising to see an armed robber wearing the rosary or scapular. Don’t forget by their fruits we shall know them. To let our good works shine does not imply seeking recognition and attracting public accolades or attention, such is tantamount to hypocrisy. Many are already abusing charitable works on social media. Let your good works shine in such a way as to give God all the glory and no credit to yourself. You can never outshine God or outdo Him in generosity.

Our calling to be light to the world disassociates us from works of darkness. We should expose works of darkness and not promote them. Many evils are happening in our world today, threatening our peaceful coexistence because those who know the cause of our problems have refused to expose or address them. Don’t be a dimmable LED light whose brightness can be reduced when the need arises, but be a halogen lamp that is bright at all times.

Let’s preserve our Christian values in our secularistic world by being tasteful as salt. As salt is white, a symbol of purity, may we remain pure and free from all contamination of the sin thriving in the world today (cf 1 Cor 15:33, Eph 5:3-7). If we become contaminated, we lose the taste. “The salt which keeps our Christian identity intact even in a very secularized world is the grace of Baptism” (Youth Day 2002 Message by Pope St. John Paul II). If Christian “salt” loses its “flavor,” its “uselessness” invites disaster. If a Christian is not fulfilling his purpose as a Christian, if he or she does not bring to life the purity, the antiseptic power, and the flavor of salt, then he or she invites disaster.

Just as salt heals, let us heal the wounds of the many who are suffering physical and emotional pain. Start with those around you. We pray in this Mass that God gives us the grace to retain these qualities that make us truly His.