Salt and Peace

Jesus said, “If any of you put a stumbling block before one of these little ones who believe in me, it would be better for you if a great millstone were hung around your neck and you were thrown into the sea. If your hand causes you to stumble, cut it off; it is better for you to enter life maimed than to have two hands and to go to hell, to the unquenchable fire. And if your foot causes you to stumble, cut it off; it is better for you to enter life lame than to have two feet and to be thrown into hell. And if your eye causes you to stumble, tear it out; it is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than to have two eyes and to be thrown into hell, where their worm never dies, and the fire is never quenched.

“For everyone will be salted with fire. Salt is good; but if salt has lost its saltiness, how can you season it? Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with one another.” Mark 9:42-50 

We are vacationing in the place that I call home. For all of my life, up until my Mom passed, this place surrounded by ocean, salt, sand and peace has been home. Our family home was torn down this year but nothing can change the way I feel when I'm neck deep in the water, or sitting on the sand at dusk. That is not too say that, at certain moments, nostalgia and sadness can sweep over me here. Yet, if I am willing, peace will be the beginning and end of every day.

Jesus was warning his disciples to not give their days to the temptations and ills of this life. Jealousy, greed and anger, as well as worry, fear and hate can take the joy and peace from our days. We are invited to set aside those past hurts, jealousies and rgae that can undo us and destroy the goodness around us. We are called to renew and rebuild, not to tear down, to be salt and peace, bringing healing and love to a world which desparately needs them.

Today,  I ask God to help me be salt and peace. Help us all to let go and forgive the past, so that we can be bearers of love and compassion.