Isaiah 58:7-10 / 1 Cor 2:1-5 / Matthew 5:13-16
When it comes to preferences, we are certainly inclined to go for what is real.
Because when we say that something is real, some thoughts will immediately come to mind.
When we say that something is real, it means that it is authentic, it is genuine.
So, more than just saying that it is real Chinese food, we may say that it is authentic Cantonese cuisine, or authentic Hakka cuisine, or authentic Teochew cuisine.
When we say that something is real, it is not just a slogan, like a brand of soft drink is called “the real thing”.
To be real is also to be truthful, to be honest, and to be sincere.
But as much as we are inclined to go for what is real, we often settle for less.
In that less can be anything from the substitute to the artificial.
The attraction here is that the substitute, or the artificial, can seem to be better than the real, or the genuine or the authentic.
So, the substitute like the artificial sweetener can give the benefits of a sweet taste without all those health concerns.
But the word artificial has taken on a more extensive role in the development of consumer and industrial electronics.
Because artificial intelligence is inserted into home appliances like the vacuum cleaner, washing machine, cooker, air con and almost everything we can think of.
In the area of industrial electronics and manufacturing, artificial intelligence is not just found in robotics, but it has also given rise to humanoids.
So, all those robots in the movies of the past like Star Wars and Terminator are becoming a reality.
But it is a reality that is showing concerns about the future of humanity and about humanness.
In the gospel, Jesus calls us to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world.
Salt and light are realities as well as everyday examples that we can immediately relate with.
Salt gives taste to the food. The uniqueness of salt is that we can’t see it but we can taste it.
And of course, too much salt will also ruin the taste of the food.
So, when Jesus calls us to be the salt of the earth, we are also reminded our presence should be pleasant and peaceful for others.
Similarly, light scatters the darkness, and gives out a warm and welcoming glow.
But when the light is too bright, it will cause a blinding effect on others.
So, when Jesus calls us the light of the world, we will remember that instead of complaining about the darkness, let us be the light that shines brightly and warmly to bring about sight and comfort.
But there are also such things as artificial salt and artificial light.
Artificial salt, like that of the artificial sugar, gives taste without those health concerns.
Artificial light, like torchlights, can be very useful in dark and hidden corners that are devoid of natural light.
But, Jesus calls us to be like the real salt and the real light.
To be like real salt, let us first taste our own words.
As it is said, may our words always be sweet, in case we ever have to eat them.
But more than just sweet and tasteful words, let us also remember that others can also taste the real meaning of our words.
So, we have to be honest and sincere in our words, words that will encourage and affirm others.
And of course, if we have nothing good to say then let us be silent, so as not to be distasteful with our words.
To be the light, we need to remember that we are not the source of the light.
We are called to reflect the true light which is Jesus Christ.
Jesus shines His light on us, so that we will reflect His light to others.
Just as the light does not argue or fight with the darkness, may we also not get distracted or disturbed by the wickedness and the evil that we see around us.
Like the moon that reflects the light, let us just keep shining in the dark.
And when we speak, may we give others a sweet taste on the Good News of salvation, so that they too would want to give a good taste and a warm and comforting light to the world.