Salt and Light

‘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 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. Matthew 5:11-16

It is hard these days, when the news is so divisive and war is upon us, to live as salt and light. Yet, that is what we are called to be in this world So many people want us to buy into their solutions for a better life - the right exercises, the right diet, the right religious practice, etc. - but Jesus is selling nothing except for hope and love. In a product driven world, we are called to be something else altogether. We are called to be those who live to bring new light, new hope and new flavor to our world. We cannot do that if we try to fit in with the crowd. Only when we shine with the unique blessings we are, can we make love's light and sweetness known.

Wondrous Creator, you made a world of delights

in shades of colors and varieties of cultures

that dance, sing and bring light to the darkness.

We are disgusted by difference and shun the unique

while we abuse those who are not enough like us

as we cower in our room afraid to be ourselves.

Let us fully embrace the gifts you have given

so that we might shine in a darkening world

and carry your love to the wandering and the lost. Amen.