Salt of the Earth

The texts today from the Roman Catholic Lectionary are inspiring us with images of hope and stability. The Gospel from Matthew is an affirmation and a mission to Jesus followers. We are salt of the earth. The understanding we have today of someone so described is that they are steadfast, decent, sensible reliable grounded and even wise. The value of salt in Jesus time was a daily understanding of flavour, preserving and purification. The power of salt and light to reduce the discomfort and fear of darkness and disorganization is similar to the transcendent effect that a person who brings the salt and light of presence and loving action to one in need. Isaiah proclaims the coming of a great light which will shine through the action of the suffering servant. Paul brings Good News of a relationship with God not through sophisticated philosopy attractive to Greek thinkers but through teaching the Way of a Jewish preacher who in death by crucifixion brings love to all people which transcends our struggle with the challenges of keeping ourselves going through our His invitation to be salt and light to others.