Christ Himself is the Salt of the Earth and the Light of the World
An old man sat casually in a chair, watching a young man speaking at the front. The old man wore a yellow t-shirt; on his back was the acronym PDL (Person Deprived of Liberty). When the young man finished speaking, he asked the group: "If there is one wish you want to ask God this Christmas, what would it be and why?" The old man did not raise his hand. He remained quiet—sitting, watching, and listening to everyone else share.
After the talk, the song "Star ng Pasko" began to play: "Kung kailan pinakamadilim, mga tala ay nagniningning" (When it is darkest, the stars shine brightest). The young man approached him and asked, "Ikaw tay, kung may hiling ka man ngayong Pasko, ano ’yun?" (Father, if you had one wish this Christmas, what would it be?)
The old man began to cry and said, "Ang hiling ko lang kay Lord ay makalaya dahil wala naman talaga akong kasalanan” (My only wish for the Lord is to be free, because I am truly innocent). He continued to weep, and a hug was all the young man could offer.
On the Fourth Sunday of Ordinary Time, we heard Jesus teaching the Beatitudes—the attitudes we ought to have and how blessed we are if we possess them. This Sunday, He tells us who we should be: the Salt of the Earth and the Light of the World.
Jesus is Himself the salt that gives meaning to everything we do. He is the reason behind all that surrounds us: the nature we see, the freedom we possess, and the people we love. Yet, in full humility, He calls us to be like Him—the salt that seasons. He also gives a firm warning: salt that becomes useless is to be trampled underfoot. For me, the way we fulfill this calling is through witnessing.
Witnessing. We are created in God’s image. In everything we do, the Church hopes we become images of Christ in this world. We live the Gospel through action, beyond mere words. These actions must stem from motives that are genuine, sincere, and pure—actions driven not by human reason alone, but by the divine, since we are called to be Christ's presence in this world.
Presence as a Present. In my personal experience in prison ministry, I realized that "being there" is the best gift I can offer. It is not about speaking to feel superior, but about comforting them with words prepared through hours of prayer and reflection. It is in the handshakes and hugs that I believe their longing for their families is eased. It is in simply sitting with them that I fulfill God’s command to be salt.
Presence as Hope. In everything we do, may we be reminded that our presence brings hope to anyone undergoing trials. A simple visit can mean the world to those who need it most. Jesus reminded us to be the "light of the world." By staying at their side, we become light in the dark days they are experiencing.
The Gospel concludes: "That they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father." Brothers and sisters, may it be that in all we do for those in need, people may say, "I have seen God in you." They may not say it to our faces, but God hears them. That is how He is glorified—when they see Christ in you.
I pray that we are always reminded that everything we do should be for the Greater Glory of God.
