Salt
and light
( Matthew 5: 13-20)
“You are like salt for the whole human race
You are like light for the whole world” (Matthew
5:13, 14)
Salt
and light
Light
and salt
As
Matthew records the Sermon on the Mount, as he remembers and writes down his
recollections, he begins to piece together this great teaching that Jesus gave.
Luke and Mark record some, but not all of this, you may be aware that I like to
remind myself, and you all, that the gospels were written in a particular time
and context, and how important this can be when we are trying to make sense of
it for ourselves.
Matthew’s
Gospel was written to the Jewish community who had become followers of Jesus;
it is full of references to Mosaic Law; it frequently uses the motif of
referring back to particular prophecies... “this happened to fulfil...” this to help the new followers to know that it
is ok to retain their Jewish practices; that it is ok to follow Moses Law; that
they are ok, that they are faithfully following – these encouragements are
affirming
They
are hopeful
They
are there to help
They
are salt and light
Jesus
uses the analogy of salt and light and then immediately turns to the Law of
Moses and underlines their importance, their place in our lives: for to follow
the law faithfully is to please God
Now,
it may seem that there is something of a dichotomy here
For,
the teachers of the Law and the Pharisees were often criticised and condemned
by Jesus
So
what does it mean?
How
can we follow God’s Law faithfully?
Jesus
declares that heaven is available to those who follow more faithfully
He
also talks about what others see in us
In
our behaviour
In
our witness
We
are doing what God requires, being salt and light, when people see us, and see
God’s light
We
are doing what God requires, being salt and light, when we follow God’s ways
and teach others to do the same
We
are following God’s way, being salt and light, when our actions lead to others
knowing God’s love
When
our actions reveal God’s love to others
Salt
and light are essential for life – our planet itself would die without them;
salt and light are also essential for faith
On
the surface, it is easy to read “you are salt of the earth; you are light of
the World” and think it means we have it all and others do not
But
this is an exhortation to share the Good News, not to revel in it
It
is also in the present tense:
You
ARE salt
You
ARE light
Not
you will be; or when you do this, and this you will...
And
not even, now you will become...
But
you ARE...
What
do we understand now about salt and light in our own lives?
Salt:
we use it in cooking, to enhance flavours, to preserve meats... that is only a
tiny percentage of all the salt in the world though. It is used in industry; it
can be used to draw water out of things – to help keep delicate technologies
dry
It
is used every day
Light:
nowadays, we mostly take light for granted; we expect that when we flick a switch
the light will come on (and how do we feel when there is a power cut? When we
do not have instant access to light?)
We
need light to show us the way; to warn us of something approaching – cars,
rescue vehicles... you see a blue light behind you on the road – you get out
the way
Lights
of all colours inform us
The
little flashing light that tells you that your machine is on and ready to go...
Ready
to receive instructions, and provide illumination, help, service...
So,
what can it mean for us, to hear again Jesus’ words, addressed not to the
gathered crowds, but to us, today, right here and now?
Those
who follow Jesus don’t merely sit back and receive abundant life, or simply
tell others about what a great abundant life we have. Jesus is talking here
about a life that makes a difference for others in the world.
We are the tastiness that adds salt to lives
around us. We are light that makes plain the justice way of the kingdom of God.
Jesus says we must be tasty and lit up in order to make a difference for God in
the world. Neither salt nor light exists for themselves. They only fulfil their
purpose when used, poured out.
The
work of light is not to draw attention to itself - it is there to allow people
to see things that would otherwise be hidden in the darkness.
So
it is with Jesus’ disciples - that is us...
Like
salt, we are not to overwhelm the world - but to bring out the goodness - or
preserve the goodness that we find in it.
Like
light, we should allow the Light of God to shine through us - not so that we
dazzle people with our radiance - but so that they can see the light of truth.
We
may be tempted to hide the light - especially when it might get us noticed - or
where people would not understand. That is a risk of discipleship - but, Jesus
says, that by allowing our light to shine, other people will see clearly and
give praise to our Father in heaven.
When
Jesus says, to you, you are salt
(ask yourself...)
Am I seasoning, helping, preserving, do
I enhance other people’s experience of God?
When
Jesus says, to you, you are Light
(ask yourself...)
Do I shine my light? Do people see
what God has to offer through me, my life, or my actions?
is God's love revealed through what we bring to the table?
The
little flavour we bring - the small light we can offer - all make a difference
to the world.
Without us - life is tasteless and dull!
 |
| Salt to enhance and flavour |
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