“We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It is not just in some of us; it is in everyone and as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give others permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”

All the darkness in the world cannot extinguish the light of a single candle. – St.Francis of Assisi: (born Giovanni di Pietro di Bernardone, informally named as Francesco (1181 – 1226: was an Italian Catholic friar, deacon and preacher. )

Gospel Text: (MT 5:13-16)

Jesus said to his disciples:
"You are the salt of the earth.
But if salt loses its taste, with what can it be seasoned?
It is no longer good for anything
but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.
You are the light of the world.
A city set on a mountain cannot be hidden.
Nor do they light a lamp and then put it under a bushel basket;
it is set on a lampstand,
where it gives light to all in the house.
Just so, your light must shine before others,
that they may see your good deeds
and glorify your heavenly Father."

To be salt and light requires a strong and resilient faith, one that can stand firm amidst life's difficult and cruel challenges. To be salt and light is to be a missionary on God's errand and mission, which is never easy. With God's grace, we can be salt and light for the world.

Lord, give us generous hearts – Amen!