Salt of the earth and light of the world - the two images that Jesus expressly used to characterise Christian living in the world but not of the world. While we may never know why Jesus chose these two images, what is clear is the singularity of their purpose. Salt cannot be used for anything else except to draw out moisture from what it comes into contact with, thus making it perfect for flavouring and preserving food. Salt's essence is its saltiness. Without that, it loses its purpose and is useless. The same may be said for light, the essence of which is its ability to dispel darkness and reveal things that are otherwise hidden by the darkness. Without its essence, light is as good as darkness. As salt of the earth, Christians draw out the best in all God's creation, preserving the good and casting out the bad. As light of the world, Christians fight off the darkness of evil in humanity. They use this light of truth to expose the lies of sin so that humanity may no longer be deceived but walk in righteousness.

Both the widow of Zarephath and Elijah became salt and

light to each other in famine through the simple offering of "a handful of meal in a jar and a little oil in a jug." Let us be conscious of God calling us today; and pray that the gift of divine salt and light in us may make us beacons of God's faith, hope and love.