Matthew 5:13-16 says: We are the Salt of the Earth & can be the light of the Earth as well. I say it can be because that clause was addressed to the Christian Fellowship but its meaning has encompassed us all in many ways.
It is fair to say that the authors of Matthew’s Gospels (inspired by God) were very familiar with the importance of salt. Salt has been a currency in some cultures, a tool of nourishment, medicine and human growth besides simply spicing up our meals correctly.
Let’s look at society as if it were a meal. Different societies would taste different right, depending upon the spices used for flavour and texture. So Matthew describes a society or collective that is centered upon the teaching of Jesus Christ. Each individual in this collective adds to the greater good, that is to say its texture.
Their Faith in Jesus is the spice of life that holds them together as a group. Familiarity and collective thought produce a human gathering of different cultures, histories and races. Salt is in fact what these people are, nourishing each other in goodness and with charitable deeds.
Being a light to society has been a clear topic for many cultures. To be seen as those who do right by others, through empathetic charitable deeds has a universal calling. No matter one’s religious affiliation the image of light is profound.
What does light do after all? It lightens your day, energises life itself. Light reveals what is hidden in the darkness too. Religious language presents darkness as being evil, while light is good, nourishing and holy.
So for followers of Jesus their belief that they are the Salt of the World and should be the Light of this Planet too is profound indeed. I see the scope of this sacred scripture to be even greater and more profound.
Let’s say that all humanity is the salt that molds and flavours its culture and society. Each one of us no matter our religious affiliation makes up the soup of life within our community. We are also the light that can bring ourselves and community out of the darkness of oppression, ignorance and doubtful fear.
Can light be also awareness, insightfulness, wisdom and healing justice?
Is the Spice of Life within us all waiting to be shared empathetically with others?
Those who are of darkness and bitterness create chaos, jealousy, fear and rage. Those who follow social negativity and are greedy, oppress others politically, socially, religiously and financially.
Our world is unfortunately led by some personalities whose followers carry out dark deeds, selfish and immoral things. Their dark deeds need the full illumination of Truth and Faithfulness to the Light, be it religious, social or a most personal thing.
The Gospels tell us that there are many shades of light and various combinations of salt. Only the Pure Light of Truth can reveal the goodness of humanity and its societal deities. And what of Salt? Salt makes most dishes palatable and appetising.
Can you help make your world better, more palatable to your fellowman and woman? Some cash, a helping hand, a blanket and a meal can make a difference to them and to yourself too. Feel good about doing good.
Be a light to the world. It will attract the most interesting people and you’ll never be bored again. Get to know others and help spice up their lives with your goodness, enthusiasm and empathy.
The greatest of spices is optimism. Enjoy the world and spice on.
Steven Kaszab
Bradford, Ontario