Salt and Light by Jennifer Lopez

Salt and Light
by Jennifer Lopez

“You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished. Therefore anyone who sets aside one of the least of these commands and teaches others accordingly will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven.

Matthew 5:13-20

Today, we’re looking at a passage from the Sermon on the Mount that is as famous as it is challenging. We start in Matthew 5:13-20, Jesus uses two of the most common elements of ancient life—salt and light—to describe who we are meant to be in a world that often feels dark and decaying (especially today).

Jesus tells us, "You are the salt of the earth." In the ancient world, salt wasn't just a seasoning; it was a preservative. Without refrigeration, salt was the only thing standing between a piece of meat and total rot.

• Enhancing Flavor: Salt brings out the best in food. I know this because I am a salt-a-holic. Have you ever sat down to eat and thought to yourself, this food needs salt.

• Jesus says, “You are the salt of the earth. We should be the people who bring out the best in our workplaces, families, and neighborhoods.

• Jesus also gives a warning. “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.”

• Preserving Goodness: As "salt," our job isn't to retreat into a saltshaker. Salt is useless if it stays in the jar. We are called to rub into the "meat" of culture—to prevent decay, to stand for justice, and to keep hope alive where hope is rotting away.

The Warning: If salt loses its saltiness, it’s just sand. Jesus is reminding us that if we become exactly like the world around us, we lose our ability to change it.

Then Jesus shifts the metaphor when He says "You are the light of the world." What does that mean?

Light has one primary job: to make things visible. * No Hiding: A city on a hill cannot be hidden. A lamp under a basket is a fire hazard and a waste of oil. You put it on the lampstand so it gives light to the whole house.

Sr. Mary Margaret taught us a song, I’m sure you’ve heard it. Sing it with me, This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine. This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine. This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine. Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.

• The Source: We aren't the sun; we are the moon. Like the moon reflects the light of the sun, we reflect the light of Christ. Our "good works" aren't meant to make people say, "Look how great you are," but rather, "Look how great your Father in heaven is."

As we move to verses 17-20, this is where Jesus gets technical. He anticipates the critics who think He’s trying to throw away the old rules. He says He didn’t come to abolish the Law, but to fulfill it.

Jesus tells us our righteousness must exceed that of the Pharisees. That sounds impossible! The Pharisees were the ultimate rule-followers. But Jesus is saying that God isn't looking for perfectionism; He’s looking for wholeness. He wants our hearts to match our actions.

What can we take away this week?

To be salt and light isn't a suggestion; it's an identity. Jesus doesn't say "Try to be salt." He says "You ARE salt." The world is often salty in the wrong way—bitter and abrasive. And it’s often "lit" by the wrong things—fame and ego. But we are called to a different kind of seasoning and a different kind of glow. We are called to live so authentically that people can't help but notice there is a better way to be human.

To move this sermon from a Sunday morning message to a Monday morning reality, here are a few ways to internalize the call to be salt and light.

• The Salt Test: If you were removed from your workplace, school, or friend group tomorrow, would the "flavor" or "preservation" of that environment noticeably decrease? What is one specific way you can add value to someone’s day tomorrow?

• The Basket Check: What "baskets" are you currently using to hide your light? Is it fear of judgment, a desire to fit in, or perhaps just busyness? How can you lift that basket today?

• Heart vs. Rule: In verses 17-20, Jesus focuses on the heart behind the law. Are there areas in your life where you are "following the rules" but lacking love or joy?

Go out this week and be "salty." Bring some light into a dark corner. Not because you have to, but because it’s who you are.

Almighty God,

We thank You for the reminder that we are not called to be perfect on our own strength, but to be salt and light through Your grace. Help us to be a preserving presence in a world that feels broken, and a radiant light in places that feel dark. Give us the courage to step out of our comfort zones—the "saltshakers" of our lives—so that others might see our good works and give glory to You. Transform our hearts so that our obedience isn't a chore, but a natural overflow of Your love.

Amen.

Jennifer Lopez, Deacon, Episcopal Church of St. Matthew's, Tucson, Arizona.

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