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 underfoot. “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
This week has been a challenging one. Many times, those in power have used their platforms to spread hate. Unfortunately, this has been true throughout the ages. Jesus knew the cruelty and lawlessness of leadership, both religious and secular. He lived in an occupied country; he was a refugee as a small child and was hated by the religious authorities. He also knew that some of his followers were tempted to do violence and illegal things because of the cruelty of their leaders. Yet he refocused them and called them to be salt and light in times of great evil and darkness, in a society which fostered hate and violence. We are called in this season to be salt and light. Love and compassion in the face of gross cruelty and inhumanity. We have our work cut out for us but let' be brave and let love lead us today.
Gracious Creator, you are salt and light
you bring us out of the deepest darkness
and renew our joy and sweeten our days.
Lord Jesus, fill us with joy again so we might be your salt and light.
The world has turned cruel and angry
people spout hate and act violently
yet you call us to be salt and light.
Lord Jesus, fill us with joy again so we might be your salt and light.
Listen to our cries, oh dear Savior
for we are hopeless in these times.
Lord Jesus, fill us with joy again so we might be your salt and light.
Lift us from the broken sinking ships
and help us to sing songs of love.
Lord Jesus, fill us with joy again so we might be your salt and light.
Put your heart is our hearts, dear Lord
and give us strength to be your light.
Lord Jesus, fill us with joy again so we might be your salt and light.
For you are love incarnate and joy
and you bless us in every season.
Lord Jesus, fill us with joy again so we might be your salt and light. Amen.
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