Reflection for June 10 Tuesday of the Tenth Week in Ordinary Time: Matthew 5:13-16

Gospel: Matthew 5:13-16

Jesus said to his disciples: “You are the salt of the earth. But if salt loses its taste, with what can it be seasoned? It is no longer good for anything but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. You are the light of the world. A city set on a mountain cannot be hidden. 

Nor do they light a lamp and then put it under a bushel basket; it is set on a lampstand, where it gives light to all in the house. Just so, your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father.

+ + + + + + +

Reflection:

The story is told about a young doctor who topped the medical board exam. Being a board topnotcher, she received an offer from a multinational pharmaceutical company. She was presented with a generous signing bonus, offered a high salary, and—to top it all—given the opportunity to pursue further studies abroad. The offer was indeed tempting, a dream come true for many.

Yet, to everyone’s surprise, she graciously declined the attractive financial windfall and benefits. When asked why, her humble yet profound response was this: "I intend to go back to my home province and make a big positive difference in the lives of my poor province mates, where I also belonged once upon a time."

In today’s Gospel, Jesus tells us: “You are the salt of the earth, and you are the light of the world” (Matthew 5:13–14). These are not just beautiful words—they are a divine calling. What does it mean to be salt and light in this world? It means living a life that is purposeful, selfless, and rooted in love. A life not centered on personal success alone, but one that radiates goodness, especially to the poor and those in need.

Oftentimes, we become too focused on ourselves. We adopt a me first mentality—pursuing goals for personal gain, believing that we will give back only after we've secured our own comfort. But Jesus didn’t say, “Fulfill your dreams first. Become rich and successful. Then go and serve others.” No. His message is clear and immediate: Be salt. Be light. Now.

We are called to be a blessing to others not tomorrow, not when it's convenient, but today—in this very moment. Wherever we are, whatever our circumstances, we are invited to shine Christ’s light and preserve goodness in the world like salt that seasons and heals.

Let us then ask ourselves: Am I being salt and light where God has placed me? Am I living only for myself, or am I allowing God to use my life to bless others?

May the Lord give us the grace to say “yes” to this calling each day—to be His salt and His light in a world so hungry for both.— Marino J. Dasmarinas