We are presented once again with the well-known Gospel reading from the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew that speaks of the metaphors of salt and light. They represent a reality for us as people of Christian faith. We are light and salt, not just called to be.
One commentary I encountered said salt was used in religious offerings in the ancient Near East. We offer ourselves up to God, and stand out as a distinct flavoring in the world, as light that shines forth. This is our purpose in this world and this life, to do good works to help those in need, as the reading in Isaiah speaks to. Otherwise, we don't really have any purpose. Salt that doesn't give a saltiness to anything is useless. Just so, a light is used to shine, not to be hidden.
So we shine as lights, yet not to bring attention to ourselves, but to God, who has put that light in us. It is an attitude expressed by St. Paul in the 2nd reading, who says that he preaches, not so bring attention to any powerful style he might use to express his message, but to magnify God.
P.S. I couldn't help but think of the song "Carry your Candle", as it fits well the theme of these readings: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CVqR6kTu8lE
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