GOSPEL READING:
Matthew 5:13-1613 "You are the salt of the earth; but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trodden under foot by men. 14 You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hid. 15 Nor do men light a lamp and put it under a bushel, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven."
Meditation: Jesus used ordinary images, such as salt and
light, to convey extraordinary truths that transform our minds,
hearts, and lives. What does salt and light have to teach us about
God and the transforming power of his kingdom? Salt was a valuable
commodity in the ancient world. People traded with it, like we
trade with valuable goods, such as gold and stock. Salt also
served a very useful purpose, especially in warmer climates before
the invention of electricity and refrigeration. Salt not only gave
rich flavor to food, it also preserved food from going bad and
being spoiled.
The salt of God's kingdom for all
Jesus used the image of salt to describe the transforming effect
of God's work in our lives - and how the Holy Spirit wants to work
through us to bring the power and blessing of God's kingdom to
others. As salt purifies, preserves, and produces rich flavor for
our daily food, we, too, as disciples of Jesus, are "salt" for the
world of human society. The Lord wants to work in and through us
to purify, preserve, and spread the rich flavor of God's kingdom
everywhere - his "kingdom of righteousness, peace, and joy in the
Holy Spirit" (Romans 14:17).
Don't lose your saltiness
What did Jesus mean by the expression "if salt has lost its
taste... it is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out
and trodden under foot" (Matthew 5:13)? Salt in the ancient world
was often put into ovens to intensify the heat. When the salt was
burned off and no longer useful it was thrown out on the ground
where it would easily get stepped on and swept away (Matthew
5:13). How can we lose our "saltiness"? When we allow the world,
sin, and Satan to corrupt us. The Lord wants us to preserve our
"saltiness" - through virtuous living and rejection of sin - not
only for our own sake but also for the sake of others.
The aroma of Christ in the world
Paul the Apostle reminds us that we are called to be "the aroma of
Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who
are perishing, to one a fragrance from death to death, to the
other a fragrance from life to life" (2 Corinthians 2:15-16 ). Do
you allow the fragrance of Christ's love, truth, and holiness to
permeate every area of your life, your thoughts, words, actions,
and relationships?
Light that shines for all to see
Jesus used the image of light and a lamp to further his
illustration of God's transforming work in and through us. Lamps
in the ancient world served a vital function, much like they do
today. They enable people to see and work in the dark and to avoid
stumbling. The Jews also understood "light" as symbol or
expression of the inner beauty, truth, and goodness of God. In
his light we see light ( Psalm 36:9). His word is a
lamp that guides our steps (Psalm 119:105). God's grace not
only illumines the darkness in our lives, but it also fills us
with spiritual light, joy, and peace.
Jesus used the image of a lamp to describe how his disciples are
to live in the light of his truth and love. Just as natural light
illumines the darkness and enables one to see visually, so the
light of Christ shines in the hearts of believers and enables us
to see the heavenly reality of God's kingdom. Our mission is to be
light-bearers of Jesus Christ so that others may see the
truth of the gospel and be freed from the blindness of sin and
deception.
There is great freedom and joy for those who live in the light of
God's truth and goodness. Do you know the joy and freedom of
living in God's light?
Lord Jesus, you guide me by the light of your saving truth. Fill my heart and mind with your light and truth and free me from the blindness of sin and deception that I may see your ways clearly and understand your will for my life. May I radiate your light and truth to others in word and deed
Psalm 112:4-9
4 Light rises in the darkness for the upright; the LORD is gracious, merciful, and righteous.
5 It is well with the man who deals generously and lends, who conducts his affairs with justice.
6 For the righteous will never be moved; he will be remembered for ever.
7 He is not afraid of evil tidings; his heart is firm, trusting in the LORD.
8 His heart is steady, he will not be afraid, until he sees his desire on his adversaries.
9 He has distributed freely, he has given to the poor; his righteousness endures for ever; his horn is exalted in honor.
Daily Quote from the Early Church Fathers: The Light of Truth, by Chromatius (died 406 AD)
The Lord has already called his disciples the "salt of the earth"
because they seasoned with divine wisdom the hearts of the human
race which had been made tasteless by the devil. Now he also calls
them the "light of the world." For, illumined by his very own self
who is the true and eternal light, they too become light within
the darkness. For since he himself is the sun of righteousness,
he rightly also calls his disciples "light of the world." Through
them, as if through shining rays, he poured the light of his
knowledge on the entire world. For by showing the light of truth,
the Lord's disciples made the darkness of error flee from people's
hearts. (excerpt from TRACTATE ON MATTHEW
19.1.1-2)
[Note: Chromatius was an early Christian scholar
and bishop of Aquileia, Italy. He was a close friend of John
Chrysostom and Jerome. He died in 406 AD. Jerome described him
as a "most learned and most holy man."]
