[Pearls Ep 157: Preparing for Sunday.]
We’re looking at Jesus’ comparisons of salt and light – that we should be the “salt of the earth” and “light of the world.”
Salt and light are similar, but there are subtleties.
Salt brings out the goodness of what it touches – and preserves it. The general rule of seasoning with salt is that if you can taste the salt you’ve added too much – it should only enhance the natural flavor of the food (unless you’re in the Smith house where, truth be told, we tend to be salt-a-holics; we like a little food with our salt).
Just as salt brings out what is inherent, light reveals what is hidden – both the good and evil.
Light is also, and especially, the glory of God.
Salt and light sound wonderful – who wants french fries without salt? And who wants to stumble around in the dark?
But the world isn’t always receptive to salt and light.
In last Sunday’s gospel reading Jesus presented the Beatitudes – perfections of Christian life, and the blessings that come with them. The blessings are primarily spiritual blessings. Why? Because as we advance in relationship with God, the world will have less and less regard for us. And so we shouldn’t expect much appreciation from the fallen world. In fact we should expect resistance (that is what we’ll look at next week).
But salt and light we are called to be, and by God’s grace, so shall we be!
Perhaps this weekend, in meditating with this scripture, ask God how you bring salt and light to the world. God sees things in you, and works through you, in ways you might not be aware of until you ask. Here’s to some surprises in God’s answer!
Blessings on your journey with Christ –
Steve and Karen Smith
Interior Life
Postscript: Mt 5:13-16
Jesus said to his disciples: “You are the salt of the earth. But if salt loses its taste, with what can it be seasoned? It is no longer good for anything but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.
You are the light of the world. A city set on a mountain cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and then put it under a bushel basket; it is set on a lampstand, where it gives light to all in the house.
Just so, your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father.”