Homily for students (Proverbs 3: 5-8; Psalms 119: 9-12; Matthew 5:13-16)

Dear students,

Have you ever wondered what makes you truly special in God's eyes? What your purpose is in this world? Today's readings give us a beautiful answer to these questions.

In the Gospel, Jesus tells us, "You are the salt of the earth... You are the light of the world." These aren't just nice compliments – they're statements about our identity and mission as followers of Christ. But to understand what it means to be salt and light, we need wisdom beyond our own understanding, which brings us to our reading from Proverbs.

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own insight. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths." These words from Proverbs remind us that true wisdom begins not with our own cleverness, but with trust in God. As students, you're developing your minds, learning to think critically, and acquiring knowledge. These are good things! But Proverbs reminds us that human wisdom alone is insufficient.

St. Thomas Aquinas, one of the greatest intellects in Church history, once said that all his scholarly works seemed like "straw" compared to the direct experience of God's presence. This brilliant Doctor of the Church recognized that trust in God surpasses even the most profound human understanding.

The Psalm we heard continues this theme: "How can young people keep their way pure? By guarding it according to your word." Notice the Psalmist doesn't say, "by following their feelings" or "by doing what everyone else is doing." Rather, purity of heart and clarity of purpose come from treasuring God's word in our hearts.

So what does this have to do with being salt and light? Everything!

In Jesus' time, salt had two primary purposes. First, it was a preservative. Without refrigeration, salt kept food from spoiling. Second, it was a flavor enhancer. Similarly, as Christians, we're called to be a preservative in society – preventing moral decay by standing firm in truth and virtue. We're also called to bring out the "flavor" of life – to help others taste the goodness of God through our joy, kindness, and love.

But Jesus warns that salt can lose its taste. When we compromise our values to fit in, when we hide our faith to avoid ridicule, we become like flavorless salt – useless and "no longer good for anything."

The same is true with light. Jesus says, "A city built on a hill cannot be hidden." Your faith isn't meant to be private or hidden. "Let your light shine before others," Jesus tells us, "so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven."

Pope Francis reminds us that "the purpose of our light is not to make ourselves seen, but to make visible to others the beauty of an encounter with God." This is crucial for you as students. Your light isn't about showing off how holy you are – it's about illuminating the path to Christ for others.

But here's where we need to be careful. The temptation is to think that being salt and light depends entirely on our own efforts. This is where Proverbs corrects us: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own insight."

Being effective salt and light isn't about our own strength or wisdom. It's about allowing God's wisdom to flow through us. When we try to navigate life solely by our own understanding, we often end up lost. But when we acknowledge God in all our ways – in our studies, our friendships, our decisions about the future – He makes our paths straight.

The Catechism teaches us that "Faith is first of all a personal adherence of man to God" (CCC 150). This personal trust in God is the foundation for our mission as salt and light. Without it, we're just trying to shine by our own power, which will quickly burn out.

I want to offer three practical ways you can live out these readings in your daily life as students:

First, start each day with prayer. Before you check your phone or rush to class, take a moment to acknowledge God and entrust your day to Him. This simple act says, "Lord, I trust in your wisdom more than my own."

we're called to be a preservative in society – preventing moral decay by standing firm in truth and virtue. We're also called to bring out the "flavor" of life – to help others taste the goodness of God through our joy, kindness, and love.

Being effective salt and light isn't about our own strength or wisdom. It's about allowing God's wisdom to flow through us. When we try to navigate life solely by our own understanding, we often end up lost. But when we acknowledge God in all our ways – in our studies, our friendships, our decisions about the future – He makes our paths straight.

The Catechism teaches us that "Faith is first of all a personal adherence of man to God" (CCC 150). This personal trust in God is the foundation for our mission as salt and light. Without it, we're just trying to shine by our own power, which will quickly burn out.

As St. Catherine of Siena beautifully put it, "Be who God meant you to be and you will set the world on fire." You are meant to be salt and light. Not by your own power, but by trusting in God's wisdom and allowing His light to shine through you.

May God bless you as you strive to be salt and light in your school, in your families, and in all the places God has placed you.

Amen.