Dear St. Isidore Family,
Our Gospel this weekend has special meaning for me and for all priests who were educated at
St. Francis de Sales Seminary in Milwaukee.  The second rector of the seminary, Fr. Joseph Salzmann (1819-1874) was beloved by the seminarians there so much that they became known as “salt men,” a play on his last name.  To this day, the motto of the seminary, which can be found in windows around the campus as well as painted on the ceiling, is “Vos estis sal terrae,” which is Latin for “You are the salt of the earth.”
We learned in seminary about the significance of this statement.  What Jesus is probably talking about is not normal table salt, but rather salt that was used to ignite dung that was used for fires.  After a while, this salt would lose its potency and would have to be thrown out.  At least, this is one of the theories.  The implication is that we are called to be the catalysts for the fire or light that is to burn in the world.  If we no longer do that, then, like the salt, we are to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. 
So, in a very real way, the images of salt and light in the Gospel this week are closely connected.  We should never forget that we are called to light the fires of the faith in our world.  This is all part of our calling as disciples and missionaries.  The warning from Christ Himself is that if we do not do this, then we will be discarded.  Let us all make the promise to always be the salt of the earth and the light of the world!
God Bless, and please know you are in my prayers,
Fr. Michael