Even so let your light shine before men; that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.
The apostles are salt of the earth because they carry the doctrine of the Gospel, penetrating, cleansing, preserving, to all the world. Though few and weak, this salt diffuses its savor far and wide, working insensibly and irresistibly as leaven, reaching the heart where force of arms could never reach.
AI summary
Commenting on Matthew 5:13-16
No one lights a lamp to hide it; Christians are the world's light and must shine openly so men see the transformed life Christ produces, and seeing it, glorify their Father for the redemption and nobility He has worked in sinful earth-dwellers.
AI summary
Christ places His apostles where both their failures and their virtues are seen by all, and now commands them to order their lives so that God alone receives the glory. Good works mean nothing to God's honor unless He is known as their Author; to praise free will as the source of our righteousness is open insult to Him.
AI summary