"You are the salt of the earth ... You are the light of the World."

'Salt' and 'light' are used as metaphors by Jesus to express the mission of His followers. As followers of Christ, if we do not continue Christ's mission by our good works (Mt. 5:16), we will be like useless and tasteless salt. Similarly the lamp that gives light expresses the mission of Jesus' disciples. In both cases, we are called to give ourselves in the service of others. Although Matthew did not specify the kind of 'good works', the First Reading spells out some examples, namely, the 'feeding of the hungry', 'sheltering the homeless poor', 'clothing the naked' (Is. 58:7). Prophet Isaiah said that in so doing, then 'will your light shine like the dawn and your wound be quickly healed over." (Is. 58:8).

Yet the ultimate goal of all good works is the glorification of God (Mt. 5:16). This is also emphasised in the Second Reading (1 Cor. 2:5), "Our faith should not depend on human philosophy but on the power of God."

We are reminded by today's readings to examine the way we witness to Christ's love as His followers. We are also to check on our motivations in our reaching out to those in need, particularly in our charitable efforts to relieve the pain and suffering of those rejected, humiliated and marginalised in our society.