You are the Salt of the Earth Meaning

“You are the Salt of the Earth” — those are the ever important words that Jesus spoke 2000 years ago during the Sermon on the Mount. Most scholars agree that the Sermon on the Mount (which is part of Matthew’s Gospel) encapsulates the core of Jesus’ teachings. The meaning of You are the Salt of the Earth is best analyzed by examining the phrase’s context within the Gospel. Let’s take a look at Matthew’s Gospel:

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.

You are the Salt of the Earth Meaning

The phrase, “Salt of the Earth” is best understood by thinking of the importance of salt ~2000 years ago when Jesus lived. Salt was an extremely valuable commodity because it was a natural way for flavoring and preserving food. Salt was also important because of its healing powers. In short, salt was essential. Therefore, when Jesus calls of the Salt of the Earth, he’s saying that we’re invaluable.

You are the Light of the World Meaning

“You are the light of the world” means that we are God manifested on Earth. God dwells within each and every one of us. As a result, we are called to be Christlike, to act in love, peace, and charity. One of my favorite quotes from Jesus is, “Behold, the kingdom of God is within you.” (Luke 17:20-21) For more on this philosophy, I highly recommend reading The Yoga of Jesus by Paramahansa Yogananda.

Definition of Good Deeds

Within the Gospel that defines us as the Salt of the Earth, the light of the world, we are called to do good deeds. Well, what are good deeds? One need look no further than the beginning of the First Reading from the same Sunday’s Mass:

“Share your bread with the hungry, shelter the oppressed and the homeless; clothe the naked when you see them.”

So, What’s the overall meaning of Salt of the Earth Light of the World?

The overall meaning affirms my belief that we are called to be bold in life, not to give in to societal norms. Not to live comfortable, meek existences but instead to create positive change and to do good deeds. It is positive impact that defines us, nothing more. I feel we are called not only to do no harm unto others but to be the light…. to be a beacon of light and to create significant positive change in this world. The line that spoke to me most today was: “your light must shine before others.” I believe this is a call for us to do more and to share Jesus’ message of love, peace, charity, and kindness with as many people as possible. There’s a connection between this Sunday’s Mass and a great Steve Jobs quote:

“When you grow up you tend to get told that the world is the way it is and your life is just to live your life inside the world. Try not to bash into the walls too much. Try to have a nice family life, have fun, save a little money. That’s a very limited life. Life can be much broader once you discover one simple fact: Everything around you that you call life was made up by people that were no smarter than you. And you can change it, you can influence it, you can improve it… Once you learn that, you’ll never be the same again.” ~Steve Jobs

So friends, I urge you, do not live a limited life. Passively watching television every night serves no one. Perhaps “succeeding” in our corporate careers but doing little else is not actually success. We are capable (and called to do) so much more! It is only with action that we can create positive change rooted in love, peace and charity. You are the salt, now be the light. This is only my humble interpretation…. What’s yours? To you, what’s the meaning of “You are the Salt of the Earth, the Light of the World?” ~Paz