In today's Gospel Jesus asks the rhetorical question: "You are the salt of the earth; but if salt has lost its taste, how can its saltiness be restored?" (Mtt 5: 13) When I see in the Catholic Parish of Hastings that in a city of 80, 000 people we have 5 who wish to either be baptized or come into full communion with us. It is not hard to think that something is lacking. That the salt of our faith is losing its taste. This goes the same for the rest of the Catholic Church in New Zealand. Likewise, out of a notional number of Catholics, say 8,000, we have approximately 10% attending Mass on a Sunday. Look at the schools, we see hundreds of children and their parents as well as teachers, and only a tiny minority joining with us for Sunday Eucharist. How, indeed, can salt recover its taste? Fortunately, we have the example and teaching of Pope Francis to show us the way. He challenges all the baptized to become missionary disciples and to bring the joy of the Gospel to the world. This joy, like the city built on a hill, is such that it cannot be hidden away: "... let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven." (Mtt 5: 16)
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