Tag Archives: Salt of the earth

Salt of the Earth

Epiphany

February 8, 2020

Scripture Reading: Matthew 5:13-20

‘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 under foot.

‘You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hidden. 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. 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 5:12-16

I like salt, always have. Thus, it was a challenge for me when the health experts said we needed to limit our salt intake to more reasonable amounts. When I tracked the amount of salt, I was intaking, however, I found I was not doing so badly. Most days I was right at or even slightly below the recommended daily consumption amount. What I do know is I do not like too much salt. Most mornings I eat my own concoctions of egg whites cooked in my microwave and I do add salt to that. Experience has taught me that if I do not stir it well before I pop it into the microwave, my frittata, that is what I call it, is a little bland until I get a mouthful of a little bit of egg with a whole lot of salt that I almost want to spit out.

Salt is a seasoning and a preservative. It is at its best when applied consistently in just the right amount. That is a good formula for our sharing our love with one another, with all our neighbors, and with our enemies. It is important that we turn to God to help us discern how best to share the salt of our love.

Prayer: Lord, in the rush of the world we sometime forget to stir your love so that it is reflected in every part of our lives. Help us become salt that has not lost its taste and is served with a generous pinch of your guidance. Amen.

All scriptures are quoted from the New Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicized Edition, copyright 1989, 1995, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights are reserved.

Salt and Light

Epiphany
February 4, 2017

Scripture Reading: Matthew 5:13-20

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. You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it give light to all in the house. 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 5:13-14

Can you image a life without salt? Yes, we are encouraged to limit our salt intake but not eliminate it. Salt is essential for life. Never in my lifetime do I remember a time when I felt the need for the saltiness of Christ to be sprinkled throughout our world then I do now. We hold the salt shakers.

People are angry and afraid, dealing with changes that may be good but are scary. People are lashing out at many wrong things unwilling to face the real issues of our time. I learned in Sunday school this week that the seven deadly sins identified in the Catholic faith are prioritized with pride being the worst sin. I think my class felt that greed had perhaps overtaken pride as being the worst. Both are rampant, neither support well our call to love one another as both establish a hierarchy of personhood that is not of God.

Can you image a life without light? Our totally blind brothers and sisters in Christ live without light so we know it is possible. The blind benefit from the light others channel to them through audio books, public transportation, and training guide dogs. The light Jesus is talking about in our scripture today is what I might call soul light through the gift of the Holy Spirit. We benefit others by sharing soul light in love.

Prayer: Lord, make us salt make us light in these challenging times. Amen.

All scriptures are quoted from the new Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicized Edition, copyright 1989, 1995, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights are reserved.