Salt of the Earth

In today's Gospel reading, we heard Jesus tell us that we are called to to be "the salt of the earth."

In addition to salt's culinary uses, another use of salt is especially important this time of year.  Living in the Midwest, salt's ice-melting properties are something everyone is appreciative of.  Thanks to salt, icy, treacherous roads can be a little less dangerous, helping travelers get to their destinations in safety.
One dimension of our call to be "salt of the earth" is by our prayer and example to melt the hearts of those around us.  Of course, this is ultimately the work of the Holy Spirit.  In the Sequence for Pentecost, we invoke the Holy Spirit  to "Bend the stubborn heart and will;/ Melt the frozen, warm the chill; /Guide the steps that go astray." When we are open to the work of the Holy Spirit in our hearts, His grace can work wonders as He guides us to our final destination of Heaven.