Life with Flavour in the Light.

 The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today challenge us to contemplate how our understanding of the nature of salt and light can impact how we brighten and bring flavour to our environment.

Salt and Light

In the Reading from the First Book of Kings, Elijah is helped by a widow in the Drought.

c. [17:8–16] 2 Kgs 4:1–7; Lk 4:25–26. (1 Kings, CHAPTER 17 | USCCB, n.d.)

Psalm 4 emphasizes trust in God.

* [Psalm 4] An individual lament emphasizing trust in God. The petition is based upon the psalmist’s vivid experience of God as savior (Ps 4:2). That experience of God is the basis for the warning to the wicked: revere God who intervenes on the side of the faithful (Ps 4:3–6). The faithful psalmist exemplifies the blessings given to the just (Ps 4:7–8). (Psalms, CHAPTER 4 | USCCB, n.d.)

In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus presents the Similes of Salt and Light.

* [5:13–16] By their deeds the disciples are to influence the world for good. They can no more escape notice than a city set on a mountain. If they fail in good works, they are as useless as flavorless salt or as a lamp whose light is concealed.

* [5:13] The unusual supposition of salt losing its flavor has led some to suppose that the saying refers to the salt of the Dead Sea that, because chemically impure, could lose its taste. (Matthew, CHAPTER 5 | USCCB, n.d.)

Margo Minnich comments when Jesus calls us the “salt of the earth”, she hears a calling that her life is meant to enhance and bring out hidden goodness in situations and to be a source of preservation and healing. The image of light reaches even deeper. Light doesn’t argue with darkness; it just shines. It reveals what’s true, guides those who are lost, and brings warmth to cold places.

What moves me most is that Jesus speaks in terms of identity, not aspiration. He doesn’t say, “Try to become salt” or “Work on being light.” He says, “You are”. That means my role isn’t to manufacture goodness but to allow God’s goodness to flow through me. When I choose kindness over irritation, honesty over placating, courage over silence, my light shines - not to draw attention to myself, but to reflect the One who lit it in the first place.

In the end, this passage reminds me that even small acts matter. A gentle word, a patient response, a moment of generosity - these are ways my little light shines in ordinary spaces. And just like the song I learned as a child, I feel Jesus inviting me again and again to let that light shine, trusting that He can use even the smallest flame to push back the darkness. (Minnich, n.d.)

Don Schwager quotes “The Light of Truth,” by Chromatius (died 406 AD)

The Lord has already called his disciples the "salt of the earth" because they seasoned with divine wisdom the hearts of the human race which had been made tasteless by the devil. Now he also calls them the "light of the world." For, illumined by his very own self who is the true and eternal light, they too become light within the darkness. For since he himself is the sun of righteousness, he rightly also calls his disciples "light of the world." Through them, as if through shining rays, he poured the light of his knowledge on the entire world. For by showing the light of truth, the Lord's disciples made the darkness of error flee from people's hearts. (excerpt from TRACTATE ON MATTHEW 19.1.1-2)

[Note: Chromatius was an early Christian scholar and bishop of Aquileia, Italy. He was a close friend of John Chrysostom and Jerome. He died in 406 AD. Jerome described him as a "most learned and most holy man."] (Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on Matthew 5:13-16 comments that we can all be “salt of the earth” (Matthew 5:13). As we “lose” our lives and follow Jesus, we “find” a more lively, exciting, “flavorful” life growing within us. We become more generous with our time and resources. We are more merciful and kind to the people around us. And we demonstrate the peace of Christ, even in challenging circumstances. And that new life makes us more attractive to everyone else.

St. Thomas Aquinas wrote, “Grace does not destroy nature but perfects it” (Summa I.1.8). To be holy is not to deny our humanity. It is the way God made us to live. His sanctifying grace builds upon the nature and personality we already have, making it clearer, stronger, and more beautiful.

Without Jesus, life can be a bland, endless, and futile flight from pain and difficulty. But with Jesus, life becomes an adventure with the God who loves us. As we walk with him, we become more ourselves and yet more like him. And that makes us more “salty” in a world yearning for life.

“Jesus, I want to become more like you—the salt of the earth.” (Meditation on Matthew 5:13-16, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler comments that Elijah called a famine upon the land and the Widow of Zarephath give Elijah one last meal and shares what little she had with him. As a result Elijah promised water and flour for her needs. Was this a miracle or generous neighbours with a change of heart?  In either case, she was generous and she was rewarded by God. In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus presents two Wisdom sayings. To live a good life we need to be excited by who we are and share it with the world. We set our lamp where it gives light for all to see.  Friar Jude contrasts this theme with a later admonition to not let our left hand know what our right hand gives and suggests the apparent contradiction is resolved by our motivation not to receive praise but to heal and help.

Father Richard Rohr, OFM, introduces CAC faculty emerita Cynthia Bourgeault who highlights that the primary quality of the kingdom of God is an experience of interabiding—one with God and with one another. There is no separation between humans and God because of this mutual interabiding that expresses the indivisible reality of divine love. We flow into God—and God into us—because it is the nature of love to flow. And as we give ourselves into one another in this fashion, the vine gives life and coherence to the branch while the branch makes visible what the vine is…. The whole and the part live together in mutual, loving reciprocity, each belonging to the other and dependent on the other to show forth the fullness of love. That’s Jesus’s vision of no separation between human and Divine.

No separation between human and human is an equally powerful notion—and equally challenging. One of the most familiar of Jesus’s teachings is “Love your neighbor as yourself” [Mark 12:31; Matthew 22:39]. But we almost always hear that wrong. We hear “Love your neighbor as much as yourself.”… If you listen closely to Jesus’s teaching however, there is no “as much as” in there. It’s just “Love your neighbor as yourself”—as a continuation of your very own being. It’s a complete seeing that your neighbor is you. There are not two individuals out there, one seeking to better herself at the price of the other, or to extend charity to the other; there are simply two cells of the one great Life. Each of them is equally precious and necessary. And as these two cells flow into one another, experiencing that one Life from the inside, they discover that “laying down one’s life for another” [John 15:13] is not a loss of one’s self but a vast expansion of it—because the indivisible reality of love is the only True Self. (Rohr, n.d.)

We seek the guidance of the Spirit as we act with our Baptismal anointing to be “salt and light” in our environment.

References

Matthew, CHAPTER 5 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved June 9, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/matthew/5? 

Meditation on Matthew 5:13-16. (n.d.). Word Among Us. Retrieved June 9, 2026, from https://wau.org/meditations/2026/06/09/1588383/ 

Minnich, M. (n.d.). Daily Reflection. Creighton Online Ministries: Home. Retrieved June 9, 2026, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/daily-reflections/daily-reflection-june-9-2026 

1 Kings, CHAPTER 17 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved June 9, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/1kings/17? 

Psalms, CHAPTER 4 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Bible Readings, Audio and Video Every Morning | USCCB. Retrieved June 9, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/4?2 

Rohr, R. (n.d.). Mutual Interabiding. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved June 9, 2026, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/mutual-interabiding/ 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). The Salt of the Earth and Light of the World. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved June 9, 2026, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/ 

Witness to Truth

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today challenge us to conscious awareness of the Truth we hold as followers of Christ and how we act on that truth on our journey.

Truth and Peace

In the reading from the Acts of the Apostles, Peter’s Speech declares how the Jewish authorities rejected the Holy One.

* [3:13] Has glorified: through the resurrection and ascension of Jesus, God reversed the judgment against him on the occasion of his trial. Servant: the Greek word can also be rendered as “son” or even “child” here and also in Acts 3:26; 4:25 (applied to David); Acts 4:27; and Acts 4:30. Scholars are of the opinion, however, that the original concept reflected in the words identified Jesus with the suffering Servant of the Lord of Is 52:13–53:12.

* [3:14] The Holy and Righteous One: so designating Jesus emphasizes his special relationship to the Father (see Lk 1:35; 4:34) and emphasizes his sinlessness and religious dignity that are placed in sharp contrast with the guilt of those who rejected him in favor of Barabbas.

* [3:15] The author of life: other possible translations of the Greek title are “leader of life” or “pioneer of life.” The title clearly points to Jesus as the source and originator of salvation.

* [3:17] Ignorance: a Lucan motif, explaining away the actions not only of the people but also of their leaders in crucifying Jesus. On this basis the presbyters in Acts could continue to appeal to the Jews in Jerusalem to believe in Jesus, even while affirming their involvement in his death because they were unaware of his messianic dignity. See also Acts 13:27 and Lk 23:34.

* [3:18] Through the mouth of all the prophets: Christian prophetic insight into the Old Testament saw the crucifixion and death of Jesus as the main import of messianic prophecy. The Jews themselves did not anticipate a suffering Messiah; they usually understood the Servant Song in Is 52:13–53:12 to signify their own suffering as a people. In his typical fashion (cf. Lk 18:31; 24:25, 27, 44), Luke does not specify the particular Old Testament prophecies that were fulfilled by Jesus. See also note on Lk 24:26. (Acts of the Apostles, CHAPTER 3 | USCCB, n.d.)

Psalm 4 is a confident plea for deliverance from enemies.

* [Psalm 4] An individual lament emphasizing trust in God. The petition is based upon the psalmist’s vivid experience of God as savior (Ps 4:2). That experience of God is the basis for the warning to the wicked: revere God who intervenes on the side of the faithful (Ps 4:3–6). The faithful psalmist exemplifies the blessings given to the just (Ps 4:7–8). (Psalms, PSALM 4 | USCCB, n.d.)

The reading from the First Letter of John declares Christ our Advocate and prompts obedience to  His Commandments.

* [2:1] Children: like the term “beloved,” this is an expression of pastoral love (cf. Jn 13:33; 21:5; 1 Cor 4:14). Advocate: for the use of the term, see Jn 14:16. Forgiveness of sin is assured through Christ’s intercession and expiation or “offering”; the death of Christ effected the removal of sin.

* [2:3–6] The way we may be sure: to those who claim, “I have known Christ and therefore I know him,” our author insists on not mere intellectual knowledge but obedience to God’s commandments in a life conformed to the example of Christ; this confirms our knowledge of him and is the love of God…perfected. Disparity between moral life and the commandments proves improper belief. (1 John, CHAPTER 2 | USCCB, n.d.)

In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus appears to His Disciples in Jerusalem.

* [24:36–43, 44–49] The Gospel of Luke, like each of the other gospels (Mt 28:16–20; Mk 16:14–15; Jn 20:19–23), focuses on an important appearance of Jesus to the Twelve in which they are commissioned for their future ministry. As in Lk 24:6, 12, so in Lk 24:36, 40 there are omissions in the Western text.

* [24:39–42] The apologetic purpose of this story is evident in the concern with the physical details and the report that Jesus ate food. (Luke, CHAPTER 24 | USCCB, n.d.)

Tamora Whitney comments that in the first reading from Acts, Peter tells the people that Jesus really died, was put to death through their own actions, but then rose like it was told. He says he personally witnessed and experienced this. The Gospel of Luke continues the idea of veracity.

The readings today all make the point that this is real. They really saw this. They really experienced this. This really happened. And the reason it really happened is to redeem us. To save us. If we let it. We have to believe and follow Jesus. (Whitney, n.d.)

Don Schwager quotes “The Easter Alleluia,” by Augustine of Hippo, 354-430 A.D.

"We are praising God now, assembled as we are here in church; but when we go on our various ways again, it seems as if we cease to praise God. But provided we do not cease to live a good life, we shall always be praising God. You cease to praise God only when you swerve from justice and from what is pleasing to God. If you never turn aside from the good life, your tongue may be silent but your actions will cry aloud, and God will perceive your intentions; for as our ears hear each others voices, so do God's ears hear our thoughts. " (excerpt from commentary on Psalm 148) (Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on Luke 24:35-48 comments that it’s no wonder that Jesus’ first words when he appeared to the disciples were “Peace be with you” (Luke 24:36). How they needed that peace!

Whatever your situation, Jesus longs to do for you what he did for his disciples. He longs to open your mind to his mercy so that you can be set free from guilt or shame. He longs to reveal his love so that you can see your past—especially the painful parts—through his eyes of love and compassion. He longs to give you new insight into his wisdom so that you can look to your future with hope and trust.

Quiet your heart today so that you can hear Jesus speak to you. Let him “open your mind” and show you how he looks at you. Let him give you his peace.

“Jesus, help me to see with your eyes, to hear with your ears, and to love with your heart.” (Meditation on Luke 24:35-48, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler comments on the very Jewish presentation of kerygma in the Temple. The context of sin in the First Letter of John suggests a different author than the Gospel of John in which the only sin is to not believe in Jesus as the Only Son. The response to the heresy of Docetism and the necessity to keep the Commandments are themes in this letter. Friar Jude tracks the development of our relationship to Jesus, expressed by Stoic Luke, as through the influence of others, Word and Sacrament, and personal relationship.

Brian Purfield, Head of Theological Education at Mount Street Jesuit Centre, examines the Gospel accounts of the appearances of the risen Jesus.

Luke then turns to the risen Jesus’ appearance to the Eleven. More than Mark or Matthew, Luke stresses what was already implicit in the empty tomb: the reality of the body of the risen Jesus who was not simply a spirit (23:37-43). Particularly significant is that the risen Jesus teaches the Eleven about his death and resurrection by explaining the Scriptures, “All the things written about me in the Law of Moses, and in the Prophets, and in the Psalms must be fulfilled” (24:44). For Luke the Resurrection fulfils the Scriptures.

The two disciples on the road to Emmaus found their hearts burning when he opened to them the Scriptures. Again Luke’s emphasis is preparing the way for the Church life he will describe in Acts, where Peter, Stephen and Paul begin their preaching by emphasising that the Scriptures anticipate what happened to Jesus (Acts 2:14-21; 7:1-50; 13:16-22). (Purfield, 2008)

Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, describes how art can serve as a gateway to mystical experience and deeper knowing. He shares two pieces of art that have given him this incarnational and contemplative insight.

The second piece of art is a small bronze statue of St. Francis, located in the upper basilica of Assisi, Italy. Created by a sculptor whose name is hidden, the statue shows Francis gazing down into the dirt with awe and wonder, which is quite unusual and almost shocking. The Holy Spirit, who is almost always pictured as descending from above, is pictured here as coming from below—even to the point of being hidden in the dirt! God is hidden in the dirt and mud instead of descending from the clouds. This is a major transposition of place. Once we know that the miracle of “Word made flesh” has become the very nature of the universe, we cannot help but be both happy and holy. What we first of all need is here!  (Rohr, n.d.) 

We contemplate the truth that is revealed to us through faith and seek the guidance of the Spirit to incorporate that truth in our actions.

References

Acts of the Apostles, CHAPTER 3 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved April 14, 2024, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/acts/3?13 

Luke, CHAPTER 24 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved April 14, 2024, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/luke/24?35 

Meditation on Luke 24:35-48. (n.d.). The Word Among Us: Homepage. Retrieved April 14, 2024, from https://wau.org/meditations/2024/04/14/936482/ 

1 John, CHAPTER 2 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved April 14, 2024, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/1john/2? 

Psalms, PSALM 4 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved April 14, 2024, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/4 

Purfield, B. (2008, March 22). The Appearances of the Risen Lord. Thinking Faith. Retrieved April 14, 2024, from https://www.thinkingfaith.org/articles/20080322_1.htm 

Rohr, R. (n.d.). Art Leads Us to the Depths. CAC Daily Meditations. Retrieved April 14, 2024, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/art-leads-us-to-the-depths/ 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). Jesus Opened Their Minds to Understand the Scriptures. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved April 14, 2024, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/?ds_year=2024&date=apr14 

Whitney, T. (n.d.). Daily Reflection Of Creighton University's Online Ministries. Creighton University's Online Ministries. Retrieved April 14, 2024, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/041424.html