Today, Saint Matthew reminds us of those words in which Jesus speaks of the mission of Christians: to be the salt and light of the world. Salt, on the one hand, is this necessary condiment that gives flavor to food: without salt, dishes are worthless! On the other hand, throughout the centuries, salt has been a fundamental element in preserving food because of its power to prevent corruption. Jesus tells us: You must be salt in your world, and like salt, give flavor and prevent corruption.

In our time, many have lost the meaning of their lives and say that it is not worth living; that it is full of disappointments, difficulties, and suffering; that it passes too quickly and that its final—and very sad—prospect is death.

"You are the salt of the earth" (Mt 5:13). Christians must give flavor: show, with the joy and serene optimism of one who knows they are children of God, that everything in this life is a path to holiness; that difficulties, suffering, and pain help us purify ourselves; and that in the end the life of Glory, eternal happiness, awaits us.

And, also like salt, the disciple of Christ must prevent corruption: where Christians of living faith are found, there can be no injustice, violence, or abuse of the weak... On the contrary, the virtue of charity must shine forth with all its might: concern for others, solidarity, generosity...

And thus, the Christian is the light of the world (cf. Mt 5:14). The Christian is this torch who, by the example of his life, carries the light of truth to every corner of the world, showing the path of salvation... Where before there was only darkness, uncertainty, and doubt, clarity, certainty, and security are born.