Salt of the Earth

Salt of the Earth

Jesus said to his disciples, “You are the salt of the earth.” It sounds like a tall order, yet St Paul in the second reading reminds us that like himself, one can be fearful and inarticulate, because it is not really about ourselves, but about Jesus Christ. The only qualification to be a disciple is to love Jesus Christ. By virtue of our baptism, we are all called to proclaim by word and deed, the love of God in Jesus Christ.

Isaiah in the first reading calls us to be salt by caring for the poor. Every month the food collections help many people through a partnership with Western Service Workers Association. However, we keep a number of the hearty soups to serve them throughout the month to a life-long parishioner who is homeless and suffers from mental illness, and who is most grateful for the meals we serve him.

A collection of toiletries will be organized for Lent by the Knights of Columbus, and individual parishioners provide us with restricted donations for the poor from time to time. Recently, I received pictures of the transformation of a school in Nigeria, thanks to one of our parishioners.

What may be other areas where “salt” is needed today beyond care for the poor? When so much polarization has gripped American society, and also the Church, perhaps the salt the world needs is truth, kindness, and civility. How can we invite others to seek the truth with love? Although we may come from different perspectives, we may be united by a common love for truth if we humbly, civilly, and patiently listen to each other, and together search for Truth.

God bless, Fr. Carlos, OSA