Father Albertus Herwanta, O. Carm
When I was at the Carmelite Novitiate, my novice master introduced me to Carmelite spirituality. At the beginning, Carmelites gathered together on Mount Carmel to follow the example of the Prophet Elijah. As children of the prophet, all Carmelites are called to live in the midst of the people. Despite living in a hermitage, they offered guidance and spiritual encouragement to those who sought it. When they returned to Europe in the early 14th century, they had to become more involved in the Church. The majority of Carmelite men have served others while living as Christians up until the present day.
Living as a Christian in society is not about retreating but about engaging, described by Jesus as being "salt and light." This means our faith should actively preserve goodness and illuminate truth within our everyday communities. To be "salt" is to live as a preserving influence, preventing moral decay through integrity, kindness, and justice.
"You are the salt of the earth." (Matthew 5: 13)
In daily life, this looks like the office worker who quietly refuses to participate in gossip, thereby preserving a culture of respect. It's the neighbor who consistently checks on the elderly person next door, injecting care into a sometimes indifferent world.
Salt also enhances flavor; Christians are called to make community life more "tasty" and humane—organizing a local cleanup or being the first to welcome a new family to the street.
Being "light" involves showing Christ's love and wisdom. Light leads the way and reveals what is hidden. It is about spreading a brighter light through action, not about showy critique. Integrity in business is demonstrated, for instance, by the owner who works with radical honesty in their contracts and pricing. A different set of values becomes apparent when a parent coaches a children's team and emphasizes encouragement over ruthless success. Light also provides direction; merely listening to a suffering coworker without passing judgment can ignite optimism in the midst of their uncertainty.
"You are the light of the world." (Matthew 5:14)
Our wisdom is practical, shaped by Christ, and not simply philosophical. One example of wisdom that ends cycles of animosity is the decision to forgive when revenge is expected. A wisdom that prioritizes sustainability over immediate benefit appears in the generational stewardship of resources, including time, money, and the environment. By asking, "How can I serve here?" rather than "What can I get here?" The knowledge puts people above productivity.
Most importantly, the identity of "salt and light" is experienced in the company of others. We are not to isolate ourselves in holy circles but to be fully present in neighborhoods, workplaces, and digital spaces. Our engagement is marked by genuine love, not superiority. We are coworkers who consistently meet deadlines, neighbors who offer a hand when needed, and responsible citizens who vote and volunteer. The goal is to allow our acts to reveal the source of our hope rather than to loudly proclaim our goodness. When we respond to hostility with calm conviction or to crisis with organized compassion, people naturally see the "light" and "taste" the difference.
Therefore, the Christian life and society are integrated as one. Faith forms our ethics, compassion directs our actions, and hope stabilizes our perspective. We are called to be tangible, daily demonstrations of an alternative way to live—one seasoned with grace and illuminated by love. We accomplish our role in integrating Christ's wisdom into our daily interactions, gently preserving, actively enlightening, and sincerely directing toward the transforming love at the heart of our mission. (*)