Passing the torch

Gospel MT 5:13-16

Jesus said to his disciples:
“You are the salt of the earth.
But if salt loses its taste, with what can it be seasoned?
It is no longer good for anything
but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.
You are the light of the world.
A city set on a mountain cannot be hidden.
Nor do they light a lamp and then put it under a bushel basket;
it is set on a lampstand,
where it gives light to all in the house.
Just so, your light must shine before others,
that they may see your good deeds
and glorify your heavenly Father.”

I like how the deacon at mass today said that as the "salt of the earth" we help to season the lives of others.  It's a nice analogy.  A spice or a seasoning brings out the best in a dish - gives it a richer, fuller taste.  And that's how we can be a blessing to others - by finding ways to make their life richer and fuller.  In this way, the light of Christ shines through us.  Right now the winter olympics is going on and it makes me think of the olympic torch and the tradition of passing on the torch from person to person.  If I'm not mistaken, the original flame is from the first olympics way back when and when a venue gets the olympics, the flame is never to be extinguished.  Like the flames we saw at Squaw Valley that have been burning since the 1960 Olympics.  Jesus is the original flame and his message of love, mercy, and compassion has been passed down from generation to generation.  It's my turn to pass the torch.