The Salt and the Light (Matthew 5:13-16)
We missed the Beatitudes because of the Presentation of Jesus at the Temple (40 days after Jesus' birth a Feb 2) fell on last Sunday. So that trumped the Sermon on the Mount!
By the way, the Sermon on the Mount - especially the Beatitudes and the Lord's Prayer - are the pinnacle of Jesus' New Testament teachings. We will be digging into the Beatitudes as soon as we finish the Our Father.
Although the Beatitudes are the spiritual evolution/perfection of the Ten Commandments, they were radical enough to the ears of the Pharisees that they asked Jesus if he was replacing the teachings of Moses and the Prophets. Jesus replied not at all. He was fulfilling them.
If the Beatitudes describe the pathway to spiritual perfection, then the Salt and Light metaphors explain the application of these ideas.
This week's reading focuses on two opposing forces. What are they?
Ans. The believer attempting righteous behavior versus an unrighteous world.
This is a difficult assignment Jesus is asking his disciples to take on – to live in a world that stands in opposition. Jesus therefore approaches this by giving us two useful and practical metaphors.
SALT
In those days (and still today) salt was important for adding flavor. Similarly, the message of God adds meaning and purpose to human life. Without flavor, salt is nothing. Without God, we exist for nothing.
Salt was an important food preservative. Similarly, the gospel message preserves one's soul for an eternity.
Salt was also an important component in the Old Testament covenant sacrifices. Therefore, telling the disciples to be Salt to the world is telling them to extend the covenant to all ends of the earth.
LIGHT
Jerusalem is a city on a hill. Its role in salvation history was to be a light to the nations – not a lamp to be hidden.
At the time of Christ, Jerusalem was (once again) a fallen country, occupied by Rome. They indeed needed (and were promised) a Messiah. Now the Messiah has come. He came not come just to bring light to the darkness, he was the light (John 1:4-5).
If Jesus IS the light, why is he instructing his disciples (and us) to be the light? Is this a contradiction?
Ans. No. We are reflecting Christ’s light, not our own.
Jesus further says that his light can be seen by the good works we do. Keep in mind, good works are not for show or to shine the light on ourselves. As Jesus makes clear in the reading: "...that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father." (Mt 5:16) Our good works glorify God, because they extend His kingdom on earth by our free will.
2000 years ago was a tougher environment to "live the Gospel" than it is today. But there are some similarities, as our culture seems to want to put the God's light under a basket. But we cannot let the light be hidden, which brings us to the real question today's reading raises: How do we do are part to bring God's light to the world?
Tradition suggests we consider a 4 step process.
1. Work with God always on our own personal behavior. We must develop qualities of humility, patience, and kindness in order for others to see us as credible.
2. Start with the people around us, those closest to us. There is something broken about wanting to help solve the world's problems if we can't take care of what's right in front of us: family, friends, neighbors, coworkers. Who needs our our time, our attention, our love, or our help?
3. Our fellow Christians/the Church – how do we collectively contribute as Christians to those who need our help?
4. Charity isn't mailing a check. Its personal time and effort. Be willing to "get your hands dirty." There are soup kitchens, special needs organizations, retirement homes where many of the elderly never get visitors, orphans who need loving mentors/big brothers-sisters/parents, local corrections centers who need volunteers, etc., etc.
The practice and experience one will gain from all the above will prepare you to reach out further, with confidence that the Holy Spirit will walk with you.
_________________
I will send out the next part of the Our Father in a few days.
Maranatha!
Ron
Comments