Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, In this Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus speaks words that are simple but demanding: “You are the salt of the earth… You are the light of the world.” He does not say you should be; He says you are. By our baptism and faith, we already carry a responsibility to the world around us. Salt preserves and gives taste. Light drives away darkness and shows the way. When Jesus calls us salt and light, He is saying that our presence in society must make a difference. We are not meant to blend into corruption, injustice, violence and despair. We are called to challenge them, heal them and transform them.
This message speaks powerfully to our situation in Nigeria today. We live amid economic hardship, rising cost of living, insecurity, unemployment, corruption and growing hopelessness, especially among young people. Many ask: Where is God? But Jesus turns the question to us: Where are my disciples? Where is the salt? Where is the light? To be salt in Nigeria today means refusing to accept corruption as normal. It means not paying or demanding bribes, not cheating in business or examination, not exploiting the poor, not abusing power, and not remaining silent in the face of injustice.
When Christians behave like everyone else and excuse wrongdoing because “that is how things are,” then we become tasteless salt—present, but useless. To be light means shining through good works, not empty words. It means choosing honesty over shortcuts, peace over violence, service over selfishness, and dialogue over hatred. It means being signs of hope in our families, workplaces, schools, markets and communities. A Christian who hides his or her faith out of fear or convenience is like a lamp hidden under a basket. Jesus reminds us that our light is not for our glory but for God’s.
Our lives should point others to Him. In a society where many leaders have failed, God calls ordinary believers to be extraordinary witnesses. You may not hold public office, but you hold moral influence. Nigeria’s renewal will not begin only in government, but in hearts, homes and communities. Christ sends us out—not as spectators or complainers—but as salt that preserves and light that guides. May we never lose our taste or hide our light, and may our lives help Nigeria rediscover truth, justice and hope. Amen.
• Most Rev. (Dr.) Alfred Adewale Martins, Archbishop of the Metropolitan See of Lagos.
