The Salt of the Earth

By Liz Wiskowski

      In one or our recent gospels, Jesus called the apostles “the salt of the earth”. This has become one of the greatest compliments you can give any man. Why?

      In Jesus’ time, salt was connected with purity. No doubt because of its glistening whiteness. Also because it came from the purest of things, the sun and the sea. Thus, to be called the salt of the earth, a person had to be an example of purity. How can we apply this to ourselves? As good Catholics we must ignore the lowering of standards in our modern times and uphold purity in speech, dress, and conduct.

      Salt is a known preservative. It keeps thing from going bad, it preserves from corruption. Thus we as good Christians must be people who by our presence makes it easier for others to be good.

      Salt lends flavor to things. Christianity brings flavor to our lives. To live our Catholic faith, we don’t have to go around looking gloomy, with our head lowered. Let the world see the radiance of our faith. Let them see the serenity and the joy of life. Then we can be called the salt of the earth.