Current Homily

                                                                                                                                                                               RECTORÍA DE SAN JUAN DE DIOS

FIFTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, CYCLE A

Is 58:7-10; Ps 112:4-9; I Cor 2:1-5; Mt 5:13-16 

Fr. Josué Arellano

YOU ARE THE SALT OF THE EARTH… AND THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD

Last Sunday, the Lord invited us to climb the mountain to encounter him and receive the Beatitudes. Today, he invites us to descend from that mountain so that in the everyday moments of life, we may put into practice what we received there on the mountaintop.

The Beatitudes that Jesus shared with us are not a path we must follow individually. Christ's proposal helps us grow in virtue, identify with him, and thus project him onto those around us.

In other words, it is about transforming our social environment through the witness of our faith.

We have heard Jesus say: You are the salt of the earth and the light of the world. Let us reflect on these words.

Salt has many uses and characteristics, but its most notable feature is its ability to flavor food. Similarly, through our life of faith reflected in our daily lives, we can be a visible and evident sign that helps others perceive God's love in their lives. This means daring to be different, seeking the good of others: offering good advice, a word of encouragement, and sharing the joy of living, experiencing the profound love of God.

Another characteristic of salt is that it helps prevent food spoilage. In ancient times, it was the only way to preserve food properly. Likewise, we are invited to live in the truth of Christ, avoiding personal and communal corruption.

Light, for its part, helps us to see clearly what surrounds us, but also what seems hidden. It's not about shining on our own, but rather, by receiving the light of Christ in our lives, we can transmit it. May our lives, illuminated by Christ, help others to recognize their own profound love and to know that God's gifts are present in each of them.

From this perspective, being salt and light of the world is not an end in itself. The disciple should not be anxious about adding flavor and salvation or about illuminating and guiding; rather, they should strive to live Jesus' teachings faithfully and generously, and being salt and light will come as a consequence.

Today, we need that flavor that Christ wants to impart to our lives to reach many more hearts, and may the light he shares with us also transform the darkness that often clouds the reason and hearts of our brothers and sisters.

Let us ask the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of Light, to guide us on our path to her Son, Jesus Christ, so that we may continue walking in this process of conversion. Amen.