Light of the World

 

Jesus said, "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 hid. 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.
"Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets; I have come not to abolish but to fulfill. For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth pass away, not one letter, not one stroke of a letter, will pass from the law until all is accomplished. Therefore, whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches others to do the same, will be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven."  Matthew 5:13-20




One of the challenges of living where there is so much cloud cover is that we don't often see the stars at night. Coming east for a visit, we have had several clear, cold nights when we can see many stars. The moon is waning and is what my daughters always called a fingernail moon. It is amazing how much light is in the night sky, and how the moon reflects the sun, even when the earth is turned away. We all need the light in our lives, whether direct or reflected.

Jesus talks about being salt and light. He tells his followers that they are salt and light. We are slat and light. The world needs salt and light, those who can bring flavor to the dull wretchedness of living, and those who can shine enough so that others may see their way home. We are invited today by this Gospel reading to share what we have, acting as agents of the loving and living God. We may not feel like we have a lot to share, but we must see how the good we bring, the love we share, the lamps we light - hpw the small acts become the way to change the world for the good.

Today, I ask God to help me do my part. May my words and actions be salt and light. May all that we do bring laughter, love and joy to those around us. May we reflect the amazing love we have been given and share it where ever we go today.

Collect
Set us free, O God, from the bondage of our sins, and give us the liberty of that abundant life which you have made known to us in your Son our Savior Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.