13 “You are like salt for the whole human race. But if salt loses its saltiness, there is no way to make it salty again. It has become worthless, so it is thrown out and people trample on it. 14 You are like light for the whole world.
A city built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 No one lights a lamp and puts it under a bowl; instead he puts it on the lampstand, where it gives light for everyone in the house. 16 In the same way your light must shine before people, so that they will see the good things you do and praise your Father in heaven.”
Other readings: Isaiah 58:7-10; Psalm 112:4-9; 1 Corinthians 2:1-5
LECTIO
We continue to reflect on Jesus’s teaching for his followers. Matthew drew all these nuggets of wisdom together and created the beautiful but challenging Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7). Given on different occasions, the individual lessons circulated freely around the Christian community of the 1st century AD.
Last week we looked at the Beatitudes. Matthew chooses to follow this with three striking images that Jesus used to describe a disciple’s relationship with the world.
The significance of the ideas has changed a little for us today. At the time Matthew was writing, the primary role of salt was as a preservative to prevent things from going bad. While this is still important, most people today would think of using salt to improve the flavour of food.
The image of light is briefly interrupted by the image of a city on a hill. Cities were often built on hilltops because it made them easier to defend. They had influence over the surrounding area and would be highly visible.
Jesus continues to talk about light. For many of us a flick of a switch will give us as many lights as we want indoors. And it’s easy to slip a torch into our pocket for a walk on a dark night. These are recent developments.
In Jesus’s day, small oil lamps and rushlights lit houses. Outside the stars and moon shone, the only other light. So light was very important. Jesus uses humour to help reinforce his message. No one would think of putting a lamp under a bowl – there would be no point and soon the light would go out completely.
This English translation uses comparisons to explain – you are like salt or light. But the original Greek makes a stronger statement, saying you are the salt for the whole human race and you are the light.
Jesus places a responsibility on Christians individually, and on the Church collectively, to be salt, light and a city set on a hill. We are to show the way, add flavour and be an example in our communities. And the purpose is that God is given praise – or as we pray in the Lord’s Prayer, that God’s holy name is honoured.
MEDITATIO
Consider the three images Jesus uses of salt, light and a city on a hill. What can we learn from each about living out our faith in this world?
The readings from Isaiah 58 and Psalm 112 give some practical examples of being salt and light. Consider whether, and how, you can put any of these into practice in
your life.
ORATIO
Do you feel ready for the responsibility Jesus is laying upon you as his disciple? The Apostle Paul felt no shame in laying bare his own fears and anxieties before God and us (1 Corinthians 2:1-8); we need not fear doing the same. So ask God to strengthen you and give you boldness to be salt and light for him in your family, at work and in your community.
CONTEMPLATIO
When Jesus sets the standards for our Christian lives, we can easily make the mistake of trying to meet these in our own strength. Paul reminds us that we shouldn’t rely on our own abilities but rather on the power of the Spirit. Read Paul’s full prayer in Ephesians 1:17-20 and let this encourage you. Verses 17, 19 and 20 are given here:
… and ask the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, to give you the Spirit, who will make you wise and reveal God to you, so that you will know him … and how very great is his power at work in us who believe. This power working in us is the same as the mighty strength which he used when he raised Christ from death and seated him at his right side in the heavenly world.
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