Keith's Page

Salt of the Earth

(Matthew 5:13-20)

In this Gospel passage the people are told by Jesus that they are the salt of the earth. This is a great compliment and we, today, are included in this declaration. They and we are called the salt of the earth because, in the scope of creation, they and we make the biggest difference as humans. We are warned, however, that we must not allow our saltiness to deteriorate. In such a case we shall not be useful in the mission to which we are called.

The second declaration made by Jesus is that we are the light of the world. Now this is surprising, because we have always considered Jesus himself to be the Light of the World. What he is saying here is that, rather like the runners who carry the Olympic torch round the world in advance of the Games, we are carriers of his light. We are the ones who should illuminate the world around us with the message of Jesus. We are cvalled by him to do the work he began 2,000 years ago.

If our light is bright enough the people will see it, shared with them, and see how it brightens the forward path to God. When he said this he emphasised that he had come to fulfill the Law and the Prophets. It was not an alternative to the Law that he brought in. He taught new additions that were for the benefit of all. So, the Law and the ancient Prophets still counted as much as they had always done. As we read in the gospels, there was a reversal of the old ways of understanding everything. The rich person was not to be considered the best and the poor person was to be elevated to an equal position with those thought as important. This was an equality that has remained till today and continues as an important value.

It has often been said that God’s light (shone by Jesus) highlights the deeds that are committed in darkness. Our light, too, should do the same. We are to highlight what is wrong and demonstrate the right way as shown by our Saviour.

This little light of mine,

I'm going to let it shine.