First Reading I Kings 17:7-16 Gospel Matthew 5:13-16

During a time of famine, Elijah travels to pagan territory (Zarephath in Sidon). He asks a widow to give him a drink, and also to bring him a cake. When she objects that she and her son are about to die of famine, Elijah tells her that the oil and flour will not run out throughout the entire time of the famine. Jesus will use this story when he preaches at his hometown synagogue at Nazareth. Because he says something good about Gentiles (pagans) his own townsfolk try to kill him.
The gospel today is part of the Sermon on the Mount. The gist of the story is that, even though we may be few in number, we can really change this world. We are the salt of the earth. It doesn’t take much salt to flavor food. But without the salt, the food is tasteless.. A little salt does wonders. We are the light of the world. When the electricity is out, even a small candle or a penlight seems wonderful. We must let our light – or rather the light of Christ in us – shine brightly so that all will be drawn to give glory to God.