“Being willing to rise up to be the ‘salt of the earth” and ‘light to the world’ so that our Christian values can be preserved”

(Based on Isa 58:7-10, 1 Cor 2:1-5 and Mt 5:13-16 – 5th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle A)

There was a time when slavery was legal.
People were bought and sold like objects.

Most people accepted it.
Many benefited from it.
Very few questioned it.

But one particular man could not accept it.

His name was William Wilberforce.
He was a Christian and a member of Parliament.

Because of his faith in Jesus, he said that “this trade is evil. It is a sin before God,”

People, however, laughed. They told him:

“This is how the world works.”
“Don’t be idealistic.”
“You’re just one man.”

But Wilberforce believed something very powerful: That “one conscience, awake to God, can disturb an entire unjust system!”

For twenty long years, he was defeated again and again.

Bills failed. Supporters left. His health collapsed.
Yet he kept returning to Parliament with the same fire, the same words, the same faith.

Finally, in 1807, the British Parliament abolished the slave trade.

And in 1833, just days before Wilberforce died, slavery itself was abolished across the British Empire.

History agrees on this: His Christian faith was the spark for this mighty change!

One man became salt in a corrupt system.
One small light exposed a massive darkness.

This is the call of the Gospel of the Day.
Jesus says…

“You are the salt of the earth” (Mt 5:13)
“You are the light of the world” (Mt 5:14)

In ancient Greece, salt was considered so valuable it was called, “theon”, divine.

The Romans believed that nothing was of more value than salt except the Sun.

Roman soldiers were even paid in salt.
An ancient Near Eastern custom still practiced among some Arabs today is that a pact of friendship is sealed with a gift of salt.

This call of the Gospel has gained significant importance and urgency in our world today.

We live in times and generation when the need to be a “salt” and “light” has gained tremendous urgency…

The world is losing a taste for things of everlasting value and instead relishes more of transient materials.

Can I be a “salt” in such situations giving the taste of eternity and goodness, to revive lives and to orient them towards the real joys of life?

The world is fast degrading and losing values in various areas like moral life, social situations, cultural integrity and religious fervour.

Can I be a “light”, casting away the darkness of ignorance and shedding new illumination and radiance for the revival of sanctified lives?

The world today, is sadly deeply getting corrupted and there are strong strands of infection and contamination affecting various core dimensions.

Can I be a “salt” which rubs in consciousness for transformation and change and be a healing agent to prick the conscience of people to lead an integral life?

The world is often easy on closing the eye to the evils that are constantly rising, and fails to be a powerful voice for justice and peace

Can I be a “light” which casts its powerful rays on the dark shades of wickedness and expose the inhuman elements of the society, helping towards a harmonious and pleasant world?

Prophet Isaiah reminds us that we are all called to live in compassion. When we share our bread, care for the poor, and defend the oppressed…
…. then, God says, “your light shall rise in the darkness.” (Cf. Isa 58:7-10)

Holiness becomes visible when love becomes action.

St. Paul tells us that faith does not rest on clever words or human power.

It rests on God’s power working through humble witnesses.
When we trust God, even weakness can become a force that changes the world.

Let us be willing to rise up to the challenge of being the “salt of the earth” and “light to the world” even if it requires giving up many of our comfort areas of life…
… so that our Christian values can be preserved and the love of God may shine forth to the world!

God Bless! Live Jesus!