13 “You are the salt of the Earth; but if salt has lost its taste, how can its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything, but is thrown out and trampled underfoot. 14 “You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. 15 No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven. – Matthew 5:13-16

Saturday 16 June marks Youth Day in our country, and brings to mind the youth-led anti-apartheid demonstrations in 1976 and the tragic death of Hector Pieterson and others. It was one of many days in which the youth of the land held the country’s leadership to account. In 2018, we continue to pray for ourselves and for our country’s leadership that, in the power of God’s Holy Spirit, we may be co-creators of God’s kingdom here on Earth for all who live in our beautiful land. We are reminded of Christ’s instruction that we are each, in our particular contexts, called to be the “salt of the Earth” and the “light of the world”.

Revd Claudia Coustas