Entering seminary, I was required to undergo a variety of personality and psychological tests. The report from that testing began: “The picture that comes through on testing is that of an active, adaptable, alert, cautious, cheerful, confident, conscientious, considerate, cooperative, deliberate, dependable, determined, efficient, energetic, friendly, helpful, imaginative, independent, optimistic, organized, outgoing, persistent, reasonable, reflective, reliable, resourceful, responsible, sociable, tactful, talkative, and thoughtful individual.” It is a nice ego boost and encouragement to read the list.
I am however, not all those descriptors all the time. I also wonder if our personality traits change at times. Certainly, when I am tired, exasperated, burdened, and stressed, such pleasant adjectives do not describe me well. Sometimes first thing in the morning or in anger, other words describe me. My parents have seen many other traits in me. The psychological report also indicates: “he may wonder if he has all the necessary talents and ability to accomplish what he wants. At times when he doubts himself, he may feel ‘dark’ moods come over him.
The descriptive terms of being “salt” and “light” are not the first psychological descriptors we would give for one another, but those are the constructs Jesus gives.
I have baked cookies in the past and forgotten the salt, and I can tell you the cookies are not edible. But, in general, I can see why salt and pepper are set on the table more than in the kitchen, because you can always add more salt, but you can’t take it out. Salt is one of those ingredients that can’t be undone.
In today’s reading from Matthew, Jesus says to the crowds gathered around him, “You are the salt of the earth. You are the light of the world.” It’s a promise, not a command. Jesus doesn’t say you should be, or you have to be, or even you better be or else. He’s saying you are. As in, already are. Even if you don’t know it. Even if you don’t feel it or have a hard time believing it. Even when we doubt ourselves. You have it in you and you are the answer we all need and are seeking.
Jesus speaks to the crowd of people who gather from near and far, from a variety of life’s circumstances. They’ve come seeking to learn, to be healed, and to have their lives put back together. They’ve come in search of meaning, direction, and purpose. They know that life can be lack much flavor or grow dark. In his Sermon on the Mount, Jesus blesses them and gives them a promise, an identity — you are blessed and loved, you are salt and light.
We stand with Jesus as well. We, too, have come to listen and learn, to be healed and to have our lives put back together. We’ve come in search of meaning, direction, and purpose. Jesus’ words are as applicable today as they have been through thousands of years.
You are the salt of the earth. You are the light of the world. Who we are and what we are meant to do are virtually the same. Both salt and light are small things that can make a big difference for a larger whole. A pinch of salt brings the dish’s flavors alive. Salt is one of the only spices that can enhance and bring out other flavors in the dish. And even a little bit of light–say a single candle- can light up an entire room. It doesn’t take much to make a difference.
But I wonder if that’s where we get stuck sometimes. We can get stuck feeling overwhelmed by the economics, politics, and news. We can get stuck believing we have to do big things or make significant statements, change the world, or leave a legacy to “let our light shine before others.” We get stuck thinking we can’t be or do enough in order to have an impact, so we don’t pay attention to or notice the ways we already are salt and light in the world.
Speaking a kind word, showing concern, acknowledging others, and caring for creation. Especially if that someone we’ve previously thought of as “other” or “different.”
Generously giving compassion, time, and money to care for and make a difference in the lives of those who are struggling.
Just showing up or making a phone call to someone who is struggling or grieving, without having to fix anything, but simply being with them in the pain and sorrow.
Speaking a word of encouragement to others in distress, being faithful, the prayers you’ve offered, the protests you’ve been a part of, or the promises you’ve made and kept; all these and others of your own are ways that a small bit of light makes the world a little brighter.
“Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to God in heaven.” These words from today’s gospel are said to the newly baptized during the baptismal rite –A reminder that you have been named and claimed as God’s beloved. In baptism, your identity as God’s beloved is secured, and you are sent out to be Christ’s light in the world, pointing others to their calling as beloved ones of God as well.
Sometimes that light shines brightly even when we don’t realize it or intend for it to happen. In the second lesson, Paul makes it clear that it is in precisely human folly and weakness that God’s love, peace, and joy can be made known. Paul writes to the church at Corinth: “My speech and my proclamation were made not with persuasive words of wisdom but with a demonstration of the Spirit and of power, so that your faith might rest not on human wisdom but on the power of God.”
Sometimes letting your light shine before others means truth-telling, even when it’s painful or difficult, because it can also be freeing and life-changing. Sometimes we have to say “no” or offer discipline to children or colleagues.
There are probably as many expressions and manifestations of salt and light as there are people. Each of us will season and light up the world in our own ways. We individually and collectively live out the gospel, sharing the light of Christ in the world. We have gathered food, gathered home goods for others, marched in pride and protests, sang together in worship, made banners, made Valentines for strangers in care facilities, buried our loved ones, taught and encouraged one another, advocated for others, and worked for justice. We’ve cared for the garden and creation, played with children, and tended to those who are ill or injured.
Together, as the body of Christ, we shine with God’s love and illuminate the world. It is both who we are and how we are to be.
“Light shines in the darkness for the upright,” the Psalmist declares in the Psalm for today. And the first lesson suggests the way that light breaks forth like the dawn by… removing “the yoke from among you, the pointing of the finger, the speaking of evil, if you offer your food to the hungry and satisfy the needs of the afflicted, then your light shall rise in the darkness, and your gloom be like the noonday.”
Having seen small effects of wildfires, we hardly need to be reminded how a small spark can set a whole forest ablaze.
Small acts of abuse, neglect, and pain can set a body and community on fire. And small acts of kindness and benevolence can do the same. God has and continues to work among and through us.
“We didn’t start the fire,” sang Billy Joel, “it was always burning, since the world’s been turning.”
Salt that does not flavor and light that is hidden are worthless. So pass the salt. Light your lamp. Be who you are created to be for the world. For Christ has made us his own, a holy people, a light for the world to see.
