CALLED TO BE SALT AND LIGHT!
- Feb 5
- 4 min read
Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time
“You are the Salt of the earth. “You are the LIGHT of the world. A city set on a mountain cannot be hidden…. Just so, your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father” (Mt. 5:13-16)
The message from today's gospel is all about salt and light. Jesus instructs both you and me to serve as examples of this admirable description. It can be difficult to comprehend that, in today's world, there is an expectation for individuals to serve as a guiding example. Even in hard times, light shines, light brightens our way, and salt brings flavor. Together, we can face any challenge.
As we celebrate Black History Month, let's take some time to honor those who truly shaped our lives—our salt and light, our mothers and fathers. They are the ones who gave us life and supported us even in the darkest times. Black History Month is a significant occasion that allows us, as Black people, to embrace and recognize our heritage. While it may be observed nationwide for just one month, we continue to celebrate our history all year round, especially through the stories and sacrifices of our parents. They endured the pain and horrors of racism, injustice, lynchings, and the heartache of families torn apart—all because of the white supremacy culture.
My parents, William and Clemus Perkins,
were truly special—a pair I consider the loves of my life. My father was born in 1917 and my mother in 1924, during a period when racism was an accepted part of society. They had to work hard and rely on themselves to provide a stable home for their children. There were seven of us, and despite facing tough times, we never went without food or necessities. Through their resilience, they taught us the true meaning of family and unity. It was in their little, everyday decisions to choose and follow Christ that my parents operated as salt of the earth and a light to all. “I was young, and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging for bread" (Ps. 37:25).
My father served in World War II and was a leader of his troop, only to come home after serving his country to be told that he wasn't good enough to work alongside “the white man,” so he had to take the most menial of jobs. My mother cleaned homes and cooked for white people every day. Neither one of them got to experience life as a high school student, because their families needed them to help with everyday life at home. As a shining example of God’s grace and mercy, my father became a master carpenter and builder, and my mother became a true servant of God by boldly living out her faith. She exemplified the words from this Sunday’s first reading, Isaiah 58:7-10: “to share your bread with the hungry and to offer shelter to the homeless poor, to clothe the naked when you behold them and not turn your back on your own kin. Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your wound will quickly be healed; your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the Lord will be your rear guard…then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like midday.”
Although we did not participate in marches advocating for freedom and equal rights, our parents instilled in us the principles of resilience, compassion, unity, and spiritual reflection. Their steadfast faith has empowered us to face challenges with confidence and integrity, striving to be positive influences in our communities. As we continue their legacy of love and purpose during challenging times, we remain assured that grace will sustain us. “The God of all grace who called you to his eternal glory through Christ [Jesus] will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you after you have suffered a little" (1 Pt. 5:10).
As we continue to observe Black History Month, let us acknowledge and appreciate the contributions of our Black mothers and fathers. Their care, guidance, and example have played a vital role in shaping our lives and teaching us important values. It is essential to honor their legacy by preserving their stories and recognizing the significance of their experiences. You may ban our books, but you cannot ban our experiences that tell the story of being light of the world and salt of the earth as African American people.
"I have competed well; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith. From now on the crown of righteousness awaits me, which the Lord, the just judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me, but to all who have longed for his appearance.” (2 Tim. 4:7-8).
Author: Darlene Howard, Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, Lake Charles, Louisiana.
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"Called to be Salt and Light" is a beautifully written article of the author's reflection of how her parents provided salt and light for her family and the community. The article reflects our Black History at large because "it take a village."