Who? Who is the salt of the earth and light of the world?
We understand that Jesus is talking to (teaching) his disciples.1 We can understand us to be receiving these words. Yet, we’re also fresh off the beatitudes. Not all of Jesus disciples are included in all the beatitudes. Not all are poor in spirit. Not all are persecuted. Are all salt of the earth and light of the world?
Perhaps it’s less of a designation and more of a declaration at this point. It sure seems to be. Now it seems like Jesus is moving from description to prescription or imperative, almost like, “You are to be the light of the world.”
And so what?
It’s actually pretty important then, isn’t it? What is it to be salt and light? Certainly not dull and boring. Certainly not unnoticed or hidden. Certainly not in the background or passive.
To be salt and light is to be active and present, participatory and having an impact.
But Jesus also defines us as doing good things.
Let your light shine before people so they can see the good things…
The Church could use some reminders at time, including these days, that our public action in the world is to be good things. This is the saltiness of his people and the bright light of his kingdom.
Matthew 5:13-16
“You are the salt of the earth. But if salt loses its saltiness, how will it become salty again? It’s good for nothing except to be thrown away and trampled under people’s feet. You are the light of the world. A city on top of a hill can’t be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a basket. Instead, they put it on top of a lampstand, and it shines on all who are in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before people, so they can see the good things you do and praise your Father who is in heaven.
Prayer
God,
What a day you’ve given us. The sun is rising, the air is ready for breathing, and food is at hand for consumption. Trees exist. Flowers and grass are present. People are available for relationships and connection. The Church is gathering.
So help us, God: Help us to both see and to highlight and to enact good things. With all that has the world’s attention, let us not be distracted away from the goodness of your kingdom at work in us, through us, and all around us. Set creation at center stage, with us its caretakers and cultivators, ta-da!-ing it to all who would see. May all of your salvific and redemptive work - your restoration - be feature presentations as we walk around, living stories of your grace in the world.
And if and as you would, let me be a part of it all, Lord.
By your spirit & in Christ,
Amen.
It’s actually not all that clear in Matthew 5:1 who is receiving the teaching of Jesus. It says that when he saw the crowds, he went up a mountain and his disciples came to him and he taught them. It could be the crowds or it could be all those who were following him or it could be the twelve disciples. Regardless, the tradition of Matthew wrote these words down and the tradition of the Church selected this gospel as canon. So the teachings are for all his disciples today.