Salt and Light

Fifth Sunday After Epiphany, Year A

February 9, 2020

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

Some weeks are quiet and normal. Other weeks, like this past one, are tumultuous and confusing. From the Iowa Caucus scramble to the Impeachment votes, we have all been in a bit of a whirlwind. Most of us, when things get turbulent want to run and hide. When things are confusing we might feel drawn to our own corners to reflect and watch. It seems to me, it is in these times, when life is topsy- turvy, that people need others' gifts the most. A calm word or a gentle hello can make all the difference.

Jesus teaches powerfully about being salt and light, to people who have been crushed and marginalized. They don't think they have much to offer. It is exactly these folks who God calls precious and valuable. They are salt and light. Their gifts were needed then. Our gifts are needed now. Our little glimmering lights, our little spark of life, our small gifts of food for the soul - these are needed now more than ever.

Today I ask God to use my heart and hands for the good of others. May we be radiant so that those who are lost and without direction may see their way clear to a new day.


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.