Toward the beginning of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, he states, “You are the salt of the earth….You are the light of the world” (Matthew 5:13-14).  These pronouncements come after the Beatitudes, where Jesus calls some “blessed” even though the world would say otherwise.  Now, Jesus looks at his disciples and the gathered crowd and calls them salt and light.  He does not compare them to salt and light; he states that they are salt and light.

Salt was a rare commodity in the ancient world.  It was used in the preservation of meat and a seasoning for food.  It was also considered a cleanser and purifier.  Today, we continue using salt to enhance the flavor of food.  If you have ever experienced a low-sodium diet, you quickly learn that even a little salt can go a long way.  Salt is sometimes still used on our roads and sidewalks to soften and clear ice.  

In all these instances, salt has to come into contact with whatever it is acting upon.  Salt in a shaker is no use to a pot of soup until it is added.  Salt in a bag in the garage is doing nothing until it is sprinkled on the driveway.  For salt to really act like salt, it needs to connect with whatever it will act upon.  

Similarly, light interacts with the world around it.  Sunlight enables us to see the world around us.  It warms us in the summer.  Plants use light in photosynthesis to grow and produce.  Lights in buildings push the darkness back for work, fun and safety.  Jesus says, “People do not light a lamp and put it under the bushel basket; rather, they put it on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house” (Matthew 5:15).

Notice, Jesus does not say “go and make yourself salt and light”.  He states that you are salt and light.  He does not list steps or processes to become salt and light.  He makes the pronouncement.  

While most of the Sermon on the Mount is not used during the season of Lent, this pronouncement certainly resonates with the Lenten themes.  Lent is the season that leads us to Easter.  It begins on Ash Wednesday which falls on February 18.  This season focuses on devotion and mirroring Jesus’ example of faith and love. We accomplish this through prayer, study and sharing with the poor.  These actions allow us to come into contact with those around us.  This sounds like what salt and light do as well.  

Go be salt and light to the world and while you are at it, give God thanks and praise for creating you to do just that.

— Reflections appears regularly on the religion page. The column features a variety of local writers, coordinated through the Monroe Area Clergy Group. John Tabaka is pastor of Grace Lutheran Church, Monroe.