Matthew 5:13-16

Meditation: Jesus used ordinary images, such as salt and light,
to convey extraordinary truths. What does salt and light have to teach
us about God and his reign on earth? Salt was a valuable commodity in the
ancient world. People traded with it, like we trade with gold and stock.
Salt also served a very useful purpose in hot climates before the invention
of electricity and refrigeration. Salt not only gave food flavor, it also
preserved meat from spoiling.  Jesus used the image of salt to describe
how his disciples are to live in the world. As salt purifies, preserves,
and penetrates, so the disciple must be as salt in the world of human society
to purify, preserve, and penetrate that society for the kingdom of God
and of his righteousness and peace.
Jesus also used the image of light and a lamp to further his illustration.
Lamps in the ancient world served a vital function, much like they do today.
They enable people to see and work in the dark and to avoid stumbling.
The Jews also understood "light" as an expression of the inner beauty,
truth, and goodness of God. In his light we see light ( Psalm 36:9).
His word is a lamp that guides our steps (Psalm 119:105). God's grace
not only illumines the darkness in our lives, but it also fills us with
spiritual light, joy, and peace. Jesus used the image of a lamp to describe
how his disciples are to live in the light of his truth and love. Just
as natural light illumines the darkness and enables one to see visually,
so the light of Christ shines in the hearts of believers and enables us
to see the heavenly reality of God's kingdom.  In fact, our mission
is to be light-bearers of Christ so that others may see the truth
of the gospel and be freed from the blindness of sin and deception.
Jesus remarks that nothing can remain hidden or secret. We can try to
hide things from others, from ourselves, and from God. How tempting to
shut our eyes from the consequences of our sinful ways and bad habits,
even when we know what those consequences are. And how tempting to hide
them from others and even from God. But, nonetheless, everything is known
to God who sees all. There is great freedom and joy for those who live
in God's light and who seek his truth. Those who listen to God and heed
his voice will receive more from him. Do you know the joy and freedom of
living in God's light?
"Lord Jesus, you guide me by the light of your saving truth. Fill my
heart and mind with your light and truth and free me from the blindness
of
sin and deception that I may see your ways clearly and understand your
will for my life. May I radiate your light and truth to others in word
and deed".
This reflection is courtesy of Don Schwager (c) 2012, whose website is located at http://www.rc.net/wcc/readings

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Robin K Brookes
69 Beresford Road
LOWESTOFT
NR32 2NQ  UK