Today’s Gospel follows on directly from last Sunday’s reading of the Beatitudes. Jesus tells his disciples that, if they live by his teaching, they will be the salt of the earth and the light of the world. Salt was used in those days to preserve food, as well as for flavouring. It was precious, just as the light from an oil lamp was precious in a dark house.

In each of these little parables, Jesus is calling on his disciples to make a difference. Their lives should give a different flavour to their families and to the communities where they live. Their good works should shine out in dark places. We often say that ‘actions speak louder than words’ and living out our Christian faith means showing a real and practical care for others.

Pope Francis has called on Catholics to ‘go to the margins.’ Today, the Church observes Racial Justice Sunday, when we are asked to ‘walk together, work together and pray together’ so that everyone will be included in Christ’s Church. Whatever our situation in life, we can make a difference by our love and care for those around us. Our good works will shine out, and we will be salt to the earth and light to the world.