Today's readings are about the simplicity of uprightness. To be upright, to show common decency, to be good, honourable, generous, merciful, these are attitudes and acts that manifest themselves in how we relate to others. Paul tells us that the person who attains these virtues is God-fearing, whose life centres on the Crucified Jesus and is open to the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Isaiah describes how the behaviour of the upright shines and brings joy to the community. Jesus sums up the person as someone who is self-giving, like salt and light offering itself to turn bland things tasteful and dark spots bright again.

Because salt and candle lights are simple and ordinary we tend to overlook their usefulness. Because there is so much poverty and so many needs we wonder what difference we can make even when we give. Because there is so much sadness and despair we wonder how we can help to cheer things up. But Jesus is praising and affirming our simple acts of self-donation. For the Kingdom depends on the simple and the least.