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

Salt and Light

Gracious and loving Creator
we often feel helpless here
the silent hidden killer roams
some would liberate it and them
and too many have died already.

You have promised us strength
when we are trembling and weak
compassion when we are spent
power even as we feel useless
new insight even as we burn out.

Help us to be your light today
give us eyes to see behind anger
to the place of fragile need
beyond the politics and games
to all the tender weeping children.

Give us that saltiness again
that we might be the rich flavor
in times of shortage and hunger
and give us hands and hearts
to carry fullness to those in need. Amen