DIVINE WHISPER with Fr. PiusRalph EFFIONG, SMMM

TUESDAY OF THE TENTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME 

Mystery of the day: Sorrowful 

Table of the Word: 

First Reading:  2 Corinthians 1:18-22

Gospel: Matthew 5:13–16

Theme: You are the salt of the earth.

Reflection

Today’s readings offer a powerful message about double standard in Christian living,  witness, and identity.

In the First Reading, St. Paul in his second epistle to the Corinthians Church addressed in strong term the act of living a double standard life as a Christian. He stressed that, in their witnesses "Yes" should be "Yes" and nothing other than that (cf.  2 Corinthians 1:18-22) 

On the other hand, the Gospel perivope according to Evangelist Matthew gives an account of how Jesus called on His disciples to live out their calling employing the omages of salt, and light:  “You are the salt of the earth... You are the light of the world.” (Matthew 5:13) These words speak directly to our identity as disciples of Christ. Salt enhances and preserves; it represents the subtle but powerful influence of a life lived in Christ. While the image of Light symbolizes visibility, truth, and guidance. Light is not just seen it enables others to see.

Moreover, to be salt and light means to be agents of change, bringing out the best in others and leading them toward God, not by loud proclamations, but by the quiet witness of a life rooted in faith, humility, and charity. That is why Prophet Isaiah avers: “Then your light shall break forth like the dawn… If you give ..bread to the hungry and satisfy the afflicted, your light shall rise in the darkness” (Isaiah 58:6–10). To buttress this, St. Paul in his epistle addressed to the Church in Philippi said: “Shine like stars in the world.” (Philippians 2:15). 

Finally beloved in Christ Jesus, as we begin a new era in our spirirual journey as pilgrims pf hope, let our thoughts, words and actions always be gracious, seasoned with sakt and lighted the path for others. + Peace be with you!.

© ARCHIVE 10062025