Tuesday, February 26, 2019

Today’s Scripture Reading  |  Matthew 5:13–20
“You are the salt of the earth; but if salt has lost its taste, how can its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything, but is thrown out and trampled under foot.

 “You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.

“Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets; I have come not to abolish but to fulfill. For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth pass away, not one letter, not one stroke of a letter, will pass from the law until all is accomplished. Therefore, whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches others to do the same, will be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” (NRSV)

Reflection
There is a reason salt is always sitting on my counter in my kitchen. It is the essential flavor for my cooking.It intensifies aromas, balances other flavors, makes meat taste juicier, and it can even preserve food. Salt goes in all of my cooking. I do not recommend, however, eating salt all by itself.

I remember in elementary school one of my classmates brought a plastic bag of white sugar and a bag of table salt, and they looked the same. I don’t remember why he had these bags, probably for some project or presentation. But I do remember that another classmate enthusiastically took a spoonful of sugar only to discover it was the salt bag. He would be the first to tell you they were not the same, and he was far less excited about having a spoonful of just salt!

Jesus tells us we are the salt of the earth. Mix in the right balance of us with those around us and aromas intensify, flavors balance, meat is juicier. Kept to ourselves, our God given-talent isn’t that special or exciting; when used for others, with others, they have power.

Prayer
God, thank you for all you have given me. Remind me to share all that I have with those around me, because that is when your vision is actualized. Amen.

Written by Katie Patterson, Director of Urban Youth Mission

Reflection and Prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church

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