Why we are Salt of the Earth?

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 5th Week - Sunday*

*Gospel : Mt 5:13-16*

*First Reading : Is 58:7-10*

*SECOND READING - 1 Cor 2:1-5*

*Why we are Salt of the Earth?*

*1) “You are the salt of the earth*

The above sentence from Jesus speaks a lot about our mission and what we are

Jesus is not telling that you will be the salt of the earth or you try to become the salt of the earth

He simply says *You are the salt of the earth*

So all the followers of Jesus is like the salt. We need to realise this fact everyday

*2) Every cell of our body contains salt*

Salt is present in each and every cell our body.

 It is even essential to flush out toxins from the body.

*3) It was used as money*

You will be amused to know that the word "salary" is derived from the Latin word *sal* which means salt.

It is believed that salt was so expensive in the ancient times. Which shows the value of the salt 

The roman soldiers were paid in salt. So one can imagine the importance of the Salt 

*4) Salt is essential for life*

Salt is the main source of sodium and chloride in the human diet. 

It is the source of transportation of nutrients and oxygen and even allows nerves to transmit a message.

Salt has 40 per cent sodium and 60 per cent chloride, by weight. Sodium, which is an essential mineral in salt acts as an important electrolyte in the body. 

*5) Various qualities of Salt*

Salt is white, which is the *symbol of purity*. So salt is pure 

*Salt gives taste.* Anything  that we prepare need to have salt. Only then it gets its taste 

*Salt can preserve the things*

It does not allow anything to decay. It preserves anything that comes to its context 

*Salt has the quality of mixing with other things* When salt is added to something, it becomes one with the reality. It does not remain alof from the reality 

*Salt has the quality of curing some sicknesses*  Some of the skin disease can be cured by taking bath in the salt water 

*6) Am I the salt of the earth?*

After having understood the importance of the salt what about Jesus' words to my life? 

Am I a salt of the earth? Have I lost the quality of salt? 

What are the things in my life, which show me, that I am really the salt of the earth? 

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*