Matthew 5:13-20
13 “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. 14 “You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. 15 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. 16 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.
17 “Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets; I have come not to abolish but to fulfill. 18 For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth pass away, not one letter, not one stroke of a letter, will pass from the law until all is accomplished. 19 Therefore, whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches others to do the same, will be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. 20 For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.
Salt and Light
"Poor in Spirit" are those who live in God's presence with Him dwelling in their hearts, minds and actions. After encouraging us to live the Beatitudes, Jesus goes further, as He always does, telling us how much He trusts us, describing His faithful as salt and light. This is the new nature Jesus' disciples are called to be. What do salt and light mean in this context?
It is known that salt is used to improve the taste of food. It also produces necessary minerals that our body needs to conduct nerve impulses and relax muscles. It is used as a food preservative against bacteria. Salt can be used as a medicinal treatment to stop bleeding, wound inflammation or decay. It was used in old as currency when prices were paid in kind.
This is how Jesus considers His faithful, to be an element of taste and flavor wherever they are, offering through their lives a taste of being a joyful model for others. He commissions us to preserve values of life, family, human dignity and human rights in our congregations, societies and nations. He wants His faithful to be a strong body, able to preserve moral values, promote justice and be peace workers.
Jesus introduces Himself as the light, "I am the Light of the world" John 8:12, then Jesus identifies Himself with His faithful calling us the light of the world.
"You are the light of the world" Matthew 5:14-16. Light helps us to clarify and see things in their true nature when used according to God's will as taught in Scriptures.
Bless you for reading this meditation today, a sign that you endeavor to be salt and light! May we take a few minutes of deep reflection to think about Jesus' confidence in us and what we really are. He reveals His encouraging will and great trust, expecting us to fulfill what He teaches, "Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven" Matthew 5:16.
Am I that person Jesus wants me to be, salt and light, or a corrupt salt and a kind of darkness? Without Him, we can't be what he would like us to be. Let us ask Him with humility to help us become deeper salt and light according to His will.