Salt and Light

Jesus said, “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.
“You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. 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. 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.
“Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets; I have come not to abolish but to fulfill. 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. 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. For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 5:13-20

In the middle of winter, here in Montana February, I often think hoe important light truly is, as well as flavor like salt. Things can get dark and bland as we snuggle inside against the cold and eat the soups and stews we have made repeated times. Even comfort food gets old after a time. Life can be very bleak without light and people who bring us hope and joy in the midst of dark times. I often find myself, standing outside when the sun shines bright, trying to absorb every ray of sunlight to lift the winter's isolation.

Jesus reminds the people that no matter how challenging our lives become, we have something to offer, something to give. There is great need and many dark places in this world. People are aching to receive a little brightness, a little hope, a little joy. God  promises to multiply our possibilities when we share the little we have with others.

Today, I ask God to help me be light and salt in this world. May we not keep to ourselves but rather share God's love in the deep darkness and the cold, tasteless places.