Matthew 5:13-20 (NRSV)
Read Matthew 5:13-20 on biblegateway.com
Verse 13"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. Verse 14"You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. Verse 15No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. Verse 16In 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.
Verse 17"Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets; I have come not to abolish but to fulfill. Verse 18For 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. Verse 19Therefore, 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. Verse 20For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.
Devotion
Wastefulness was nearly a mortal sin in my family when I was growing up. We were taught that food and belongings are gifts from God and were never to be thrown away or misused. Because of this, for me Jesus’ words about our being salt and light ring out like a clarion call to pay attention. They remind me that we are blessed for action and called by baptismal waters to never be wasteful, throwing away the powerful effect that God’s blessing has on our world. Like tainted water and used up soil, the gifts we do not use will not only be wasted but will be our destruction. Can you imagine the songbirds refusing to sing or the sun refusing to shine? Their righteousness far surpasses our own for they do naturally what we must work to remember: we belong to God along with all of creation. We are God’s blessed people, gifted with the power of Christ’s own light and seasoning.
Prayer
Loving Creator, may the power of your gift of life never be lost or hidden in our busy days. Make your people shine with generosity, hope and love. Amen.