‘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
These days many folks are trying to reduce salt in their diets. We really don't understand the importance of salt in earlier times. In the time of Jesus, salt was such an important and precious resource that people were paid wages in salt. For meats and other foods to last, salt was needed to preserve the food. We don't worry about having enough salt, but the people in Jesus' world did. So, what is our salt today? We are invited by Jesus to have salt, the essential ingredient that preserves life, and keeps love's flame alight. When we have salt in ourselves, we have peace, because we trust God's love to work through us in service of others.
Gracious Creator, you delight our senses
with foods both simple and elaborate
with skies full of portent and colors
and a myriad of friends who love us well.
When we give up on caring for others
and turn our hearts bitter and fearful
we lose the joy and love you have given us
and we never have a moment of peace.
Lord, restore us with faith and love today
so we might bring your love to others
may we change the world day by day
salting our communities with your love. Amen.
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