Many words characterize the sacred and purposeful significance of being a follower of Jesus; calling, vocation, disciple, pilgrim, saint, and convert are just a few. In today’s reading, Jesus tells us to be “salt” and “light.” As in Thursday’s focus on Paul’s choosing simplicity to instruct, Jesus refers to what is common and simple to illustrate what living the faith means.
As salt, we preserve and bring forth flavor to what is essential to sustenance. As light, we illuminate what needs to be seen by the world. Both metaphors portray followers of Jesus as essential in enabling others to perceive what God has given. Fulfilling the purposes of salt and light entails being diligent in keeping their powers active for the world. Sustain and use salt. Shine light where it most illumines. Jesus instructs us to be who God made us to be. And he instructs us to be what is needed in the world.
Reflecting on this past week, identify times when you were salt and light. What occurred in these times that led you to interpret them as examples of the scripture message? If you have difficulty identifying such times, why is this the case? How might you prepare to live each day as salt and light? Who are examples of salt and light in your life and the world? What do they say and do that leads you to characterize them in this way? How has your life been affected by their saltiness and illumination?
At our earnest best we often struggle, O God, to give ourselves to life as you have desired. At times we are bewildered by the complexity of challenges. At other times we are indifferent to the opportunity to make our full selves available to what is immediately before us. Help us to see ourselves as you see us and to offer ourselves each day as salt and light. Amen.
According to another counterfeit gospel, our inward convictions about God are enough, so our actions do not really matter. Isaiah chastises his audience for being half-hearted in their religious observance. They ignore the plight of the oppressed and the poor, and by doing so they betray that they do not grasp the heart of God. The psalmist argues that the true faithful are steadfast and generous, and as a result God establishes them and their cause. The understanding of God’s view of the world, Paul writes, must be spiritually discerned, for it opposes the normal thinking of the world. In Matthew, Jesus tells his followers that living faith is shown by bringing flavor and light to the world. Otherwise, our faith is useless to those around us.
Read Isaiah 58:1-12. What can you do to be a foundation of many generations, the repairer of the breach for your community?
Read Psalm 112:1-10. How have you seen God’s blessings abound from your faithfulness? How do you remain faithful when God’s blessings seem absent?
Read 1 Corinthians 2:1-16. Consider the many ways wisdom comes. How do you seek to understand God’s wisdom?
Read Matthew 5:13-20. When does your faith community resist the call to be the salt of the earth and light of the world? How can you transform yourself or those around you to fulfill God’s commandments?
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