The story of the prophet Elijah and the widow of Zarephath, in the first reading, requires what seems to be an impossible leap of faith. Of course, God is faithful and the widow and her son are provided for. But, oh, what a risk, what trust! This story from the Old Testament invites us to ask for the grace to trust in God's fidelity, that we might care for others with the same selflessness.

In the Gospel, Jesus calls us to be both salt and light. As authentic witnesses of God’s love, we bring flavour and light to the lives of others through our own way of living. But when we fail to do this, all of life's experiences - no matter how rich or full of pleasure - will eventually "spoil" and become tasteless.

When Jesus says we are ‘light’, He refers to the gifts that we have been given which, when used rightly, bear witness to God. It defeats our very purpose to "cover up" our gifts.

May our faith in God light up the world!