“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 trampled under people's feet.
“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.Matthew 5:13-16
Today we are taking off and heading north. We will both have meetings in New York and then we go on to Boston. I always get a bit anxious when traveling, especially now, after the most recent surgery. I don't always feel strong enough for the work ahead. It might be easier to stay home and not venture out. Traveling north, facing the spreading light that is spring in the north east, bright with greens and flowers everywhere, we are being called to imagine a new way of doing things and new life ahead. Nothing is certain, but we have to set out with the gifts we have, asking God to bless us on the way.
The disciples and the followers of Jesus had lots of gifts and lots of limitations. This life was all new to them and they were struggling with what it meant. They were not welcome everywhere and rarely understood. Jesus spoke in stories and parables that did not always understand. And Jesus invited them, no matter how confused or limited they might feel, to be salt and light, to shine for all the world and show them the flavor of love. Despite all the risks and challenges we are invited to be salt and light, love and compassion for the whole world. God promises to provide the energy and courage we need to keep shining.
Today ask God for traveling mercies for us all, and the courage to be salt and light. None of us alone can be all the light and salt the world might need. Together, we can shine for God and make love real and tangible to the world around us. God help us all to bring what we have, so that they world might be transformed by love and bathed in God's light.
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