SALT AND LIGHT

SALT AND LIGHT – 5^th Sunday Ordinary Time, Year A

            Frequently the news media informs us of some of the laws and principles of health and economics, which can increase the quality of life if followed. The Scriptures give us many laws and principles of the spiritual life, which affect all areas of our life. The more we know about the Word of God, and the laws and principles of the spiritual life and world, the more we are able to live our lives in relationship to the Lord, and according to our nature.

            Consider some of the spiritual laws and principles. The Lord tells us to meet the needs of others as a way to be healed. Someone who needs some form of healing may not think of meeting others’ needs in order to be healed. That is why the Lord says: “Share your bread with the hungry…shelter the homeless…clothe the naked…don’t turn your back on your own… Then your light shall break forth like the dawn, and your wound shall quickly be healed…the glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard”.

            If we think about it, we know the truth of that teaching. We know that we come to greater healing and life when we are meeting the needs of others. If we know this spiritual law and principle, we are more likely to act on it as a means of healing. Meet the needs of others and your own needs will be fulfilled. That can be hard to realize and carry out for someone who has great needs. The Lord says our prayers for help are heard when we are helping others. If we want to have the light of the Lord in our life, we have to remove from our midst any “oppression, false accusation, and malicious speech”. If we follow this principle, spiritual light comes into our spiritual darkness. “Then light shall rise for you in the darkness, and the gloom shall become for you like midday.”

            It goes well for the one who conducts his affairs with justice. Many seem to contradict that spiritual principle. They feel they will fall behind if they are just in their dealings. “Light shines through for the upright; he is gracious and merciful and just. Well for the man…who conducts his affairs with justice.” Some think they will fall behind if they are generous. “His heart is steadfast; he shall not ear. Lavishly he gives to the poor, his justice shall endure forever; his horn shall be exalted in glory.”

            Jesus tells us we are the “salt of the earth”. If salt is not in something preserving and giving it flavor, it begins to deteriorate itself. This spiritual principle is this. In order to be preserved and saved ourselves, we have to be preserving and saving someone or something ourselves. That may be hard to do, to act to save something or someone else when we know we need to be preserved and saved. Be salt, be a preserver for others and you will be preserved yourself. Many parents preserve their own faith, because they want to be preservers of the faith of their children. Many become better themselves because they are working to make others better. “You are the salt of the earth.”

            Jesus also tells us we are the “light of the world”. The purpose of light is to give light. If it cannot give light, it loses something of its nature, and does not act according to its nature. A light exists for something outside of itself. In giving light, it is lit up itself. When we realize we exist for the Lord, we are more likely to live as Jesus did, revealing the Father. The spiritual principle is that we exist for the Lord’s light to reach others through our light. To live by these gospel spiritual principles can be frightening. Giving when we need to be receiving. Being light when we are in darkness. Preserving others when we need preserving.

            When Paul went to the Corinthians, he had come from a period and time of darkness and need himself. He told them, “I came to you in weakness and much trembling…”. Paul gives witness to the spiritual principle that if we are to live by the spiritual laws and principles, we have to rely on the power of God. Paul became salt and light for the Corinthians when he needed salt and light in his own life.

            May the Spirit teach us to live by the spiritual laws and principles, becoming salt and light for others, as we have our needs fulfilled as well!

Rest in Peace - Father Kirk

Oct. 25, 1941-Jan. 18, 2026