Salt and Light

‘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 hidden. 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 fulfil. 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

We are salt and light in this world. Yet, I know all too well how hard it is to be salt or light some days. When sorrow, pain or sudden changes overwhelm us, we feel as if we can do nothing, contribute nothing and have no sparkle or light to share. On these days, well, and all days, we need a community to be salt and light for and with us until we can stand on our feet again. May we seek those who need our salt and light, and call out to others when we are in great need. 

Gracious Creator, light of our lives

you have made us salt of the earth

formed out of stardust and oceans

and you call us to share our light here.

Some days we are weak and sorrowful

other days we are too exhausted to rise

we turn away from your light and hide

our light under the huge basket of our fears.

Walk us into the light again today, Lord

give us your strength and you vigor

so we might be light and salt for others

and carry the ones who have nothing left. Amen.