5TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
GOSPEL: MT 5:13-14
Dear friends,
Jesus uses the metaphors of salt and light in the gospel to describe the life of discipleship. We take salt and light for granted in our society, but these commodities were more precious in ancient cultures. Just as now, salt was used in Jesus’ time for flavoring, as a preservative, and as a healing agent. Similarly, the widespread use of electricity in the modern world makes us less aware of the value and importance of light in our lives but Jesus reminds us that; You are the light of the world. Jesus shares two aspects of this mission, which He has given to us. The first is being of godly character (salt) and the second is manifesting good works (light).
Today in our families, our schools and our communities, we are invited to stand up, speak out and shine as followers of Jesus. We are called and invited not to hide our light, to hide in the shadows or be embarrassed that we are followers of Jesus. When we see the news on our televisions or read about it in our newspapers, we may feel powerless or even hopeless. But we are called to be people of light. We live in a time when there seems to be an atmosphere of fear and doubt spreading around our world. But we are asked by Jesus to let the light of our faith and hope shine even more brightly than ever.
Let us hear these words as being addressed directly to us, both as individuals, yes, but also as a community of faith. We together are called to be salt for the people of our time. We are called to be present in the midst of our society as a community of faith which preserves the integrity and wholeness of our community, just as salt preserves food from decay. We are meant to be, like salt added to food, a presence which brings out the best in our society. It is said, that for evil to triumph all that is needed is that good people do and say nothing. My one light may not make a huge difference, but when it shines brightly with others, the light is immense and powerful. When we let our light shine, darkness is dispelled and defeated. Let us carry our candles for all to see the light as serve God by sponsoring the needy children who are living in the darkness of despair and not loved.
By Fr. Kyazze Frank Lwanga..
