Gospel: Matthew 5:13 -16

Salt:

·      Metaphor - Essential for life

·      It is the only mineral that is found in all cells of human body

·      Very Valuable commodity – In ancient days, used for trading and was used as a currency

·      Used for seasoning -Spice that enhances flavor of food. Too much salt – not good –defeats the purpose

·      Preservative – meat or veg from spoiling.

·      It influences whatever it touches - Draws water to self

·      Healing power – It can be disinfectant and promotes healing

·      It is hidden –Cannot be seen

·      Made of two minerals – Sodium & Chloride – not one can make salt

·      Moses used it as an incense.

We Are the Salt of the earth:

·      We enhance life of others

·      We preserve righteousness and divine quality

·      We draw others to Jesus

·      We influence others with our Christian values

·      We should heal others wound by listening, helping and spending time (Corporal works of mercy)

·      Made of two minerals -  We are to be connected to Jesus and be a disciple of him

·      We do not have to talk much. – our actions speak more than words

·      If no salt, food is tasteless.  Same way, we need to bear fruit for the Lord – Good Tree to bear fruit

·      As salt purifies, preserves, penetrates we the children of God do the same for the kingdom of God.

We are to be the seasoning that draws out what is good. We are to be the preservative that keeps what is good. And we are to be an ingredient in the altar’s incense that signifies what is holy and pleases God. 

Light:

·      God created light – separated it from darkness

·      Gives Brightness

·      Metaphor – Essential in many ways

·      Defeats sickness

-          It does not change the room -Enables us to see & appreciate what is in it.

-          Light helps us to see things clearly and to avoid pitfalls

We are the light of the world:

·      God created us

·      We are the children of light

·      Jesus illumines our lives – light of the world

·      Helps us to see hidden hope of glory in us

·      Rejoice when darkness is dispelled

·      We are the light bearers who reflect the light of Jesus. 

·      Moses when he encountered God his face was shining. He was able to communicate with God which made him a different person

·      We need to shine His light – Beacon of His light

·      Two things to keep in mind:

o   Think that We need to shine His light on whoever needs it in our life – act of charity, mercy, forgiveness and compassion.

o   Think of those who have shone the light of Christ upon you – how did you respond. Did you have gratitude to that person and glorify God?

·      Read lord’s “Word – his word is a light to my path (Psalm)

If the Beatitudes outline the steps to achieve spiritual Christian perfection, then the salt and light metaphors begin the teaching on the application of that perfection.