Please read this passage before reading the homily.
My sisters and brothers,
”You are the salt of the earth”, says the Lord.
Salt is very biblical. It is the sign of God’s covenant with us. The Israelites added salt to their grain offerings to God. The Israelites used the term “Salt of the palace” to speak of the benefits of having a king.
Salt is very useful. For us, salt can keep us hydrated; prevent muscle cramps; and help us sleep better. It can kill poison ivy; put out grease fires; melt ice from sidewalks; and rid doghouses of fleas.
Salt is a precious commodity. In the wars of antiquity, victorious Romans would plant salt in the fields of conquered peoples (such as the Jewish people of Jerusalem) to make their fields infertile and also take salt away from their everyday diet.
The word salt is the root word for the English word salary and the Spanish word salaria because Roman soldiers received salt in payment for their service.
Salt: How can it lose its flavor or its goodness? Water can dissolve or dilute it. If salt loses its flavor or its power, it serves no practical purpose.
We are the salt of the world. We have to remain faithful to God in times of trouble or persecution. God is our salt and our salvation.