Salt of the Earth; Light of the World

Text: Matthew 5:11-16

Reflection and Question: After a bracing promise that His listeners will be blessed when reviled and persecuted, Jesus uses two images for His followers that are as meaningful now as they were back then. Salt is still central to enlivening our taste buds and captures the way the church is to enliven the world. Though electricity makes it difficult for us to imagine the contrast between light and dark in Jesus’ time, His point was clear to the Puritans seeking to be that city built on a hill when they journeyed to New England. It was also clear to Ronald Reagan when he used the image to revive America’s sense of power in the world. How do these images speak to you?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, our Teacher, our deepest desire is that our works each day may be good in your eyes and give glory to God, whom you called Father. Make us, we pray, the salt of the earth and a shining light to the world according to Your will. Amen.

This meditation is based on the Daily Lectionary Year 1 from the Book of Common Worship for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) (1993).