Salt and Light

Jesus said, “Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

“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.” Matthew 5:11-16 

Today is the last day of our Fall house of Bishops meeting.  In truth, it has been frustrating for the most part. I am grateful to be counted among this group, and honored to be still here. Yet too often, we are salt without flavor and hidden light. The world needs salt and light, a bright and fierce response to the troubles of this world, and we continue to do little or nothing, except for talk.

Jesus reminds us all that our lives in faith are marked by attacks and persecutions. In the midst of all of that we have these great gifts of salt and light. The world needs shining lights and authentic flavor, people who are not afraid to act and move for others. We are invited again, from the mountain sermon, to be and act for the sake of others, brining whatever we can for the love and transformation of all.

Today I ask God to help me do less talking and more action. May we all do the small and great things we can, so the people around us might see the love of God in action.