Salt and Light

Reflection Date: June 9, 2026 | Tuesday of the Tenth Week in Ordinary Time
Memorial of Saint Ephrem, Deacon and Doctor of the Church
Daily Readings: 1 Kings 17:7-16; Matthew 5:13-16

Children of God:
One of the events that already excites many young Catholics around the world is the upcoming World Youth Day 2027 in Seoul, South Korea. 

It will gather millions of young pilgrims from different nations, languages, and cultures. 

World Youth Day was first started by Pope Saint John Paul II in 1985 as a way of strengthening the faith of young people. 

Since then, it has become one of the biggest Catholic gatherings in the world. 

Organizers already announced major schedules and preparations for the celebration. 

Many are already asking one exciting question: “Will the Pope come?” 

Yes, the Pope is expected to attend the gathering, and the papal welcome ceremony is scheduled on August 5, 2027 in the afternoon. 

Since the Radio Veritas Asia delegation will also be there, just the thought of witnessing that moment sends some chills through me. 

Imagine thousands of young people carrying candles, waving flags, singing prayers, and proclaiming hope in a wounded world.

In the gospel of Matthew, Jesus spoke to His disciples and called them the salt of the earth and the light of the world. 

He did not describe them as powerful rulers or wealthy celebrities. 

He described ordinary believers as salt and light. 

Salt preserved food and gave flavor during biblical times, while light guided people in darkness. 

What are our inspirations for today?

First, small acts of goodness can change the atmosphere around us.

Jesus said, “You are the salt of the earth” (Matthew 5:13). 

Salt looked small and ordinary, yet it transformed everything it touched. 

In daily life, many people feel that their kindness no longer matters because the world looks too angry, divided, and distracted. 

But Christ reminded His disciples that even small goodness carries great power.

World Youth Day became popular not because of grand buildings or expensive decorations alone. 

It is meaningful because of ordinary young people who chose to live their faith publicly. 

A simple volunteer welcoming pilgrims, a choir member singing joyfully, or a youth sharing encouragement online could inspire another person deeply. 

Many conversions and vocations actually started from simple encounters during these gatherings.

We may not stand on a giant stage, but remember we have the power to influence the people around us today. 

A student who refuses cheating becomes salt. 

A worker who remains honest becomes salt. 

A friend who listens patiently becomes salt. 

The world changes not only through famous people but also through ordinary believers who choose goodness consistently.

Small acts of goodness can change the atmosphere around us.

Second, faith shines brightest when it is shared courageously.

Jesus also said, “You are the light of the world” (Matthew 5:14). 

Light existed to be seen. 

During difficult moments in history, Christians carried the light of Christ even when society mocked or ignored them. 

The early Christians worshipped secretly in homes and catacombs, but their faith eventually illuminated entire nations.

The excitement surrounding World Youth Day reminded us that young people still long for meaning, truth, and hope. 

Despite modern distractions, many still searched for God sincerely. 

Imagine millions praying together in Korea while the Pope encouraged them to become missionaries in modern society. 

Such gatherings proved that faith was not dying. 

Faith still attracted hearts when believers lived authentically.

Many people today hide their faith because they fear criticism or rejection. 

Some hesitate to pray publicly or defend Christian values online. 

But Christ did not ask His followers to become invisible believers. 

Faith shines brightest when it is shared courageously

As we reflect today, we ask ourselves: What kind of atmosphere do I bring into my home, workplace, or community? 

Do people encounter hope, kindness, and honesty through my presence? Am I hiding my faith because of fear, or am I willing to let Christ’s light become visible through my daily actions?

Children of God: 
The gospel today reminded us that Christianity is never passive. 

Christ called believers to season the world with goodness and brighten it with hope. 

The upcoming World Youth Day in Seoul already showed how faith could unite people across cultures and languages. 

We may not always notice the impact of our goodness immediately. 

Yet every prayer, every act of kindness, and every honest decision carry the light of Christ into the world.