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Bible reference: Matthew 5: 13-16
“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.
Introduction:
In his Sermon on the Mount, Jesus described His followers as the Salt of the earth and the Light of the world. He was to emphasize to his hearers the importance of the life that reflects the “Salt and the Light”. He meant that each of His follower and disciple must have a testy word and that their light shines in darkness.
Salt:
We are told that there were three purposes for salt in the old days:
Preserving food like fridges these days, makes good flavor, and symbolizing covenant.
Using salt metaphor, Jesus meant that His disciples are called to be preservatives in the unjust world. “All have turned away, all have become corrupt; there is no one who does good, not even one” (Ps.14:3) Followers of Jesus are called to preserve the truth and goodness in a fallen and in a dark world.
Salt was also used as a flavor maker. Jesus in this sermon has instructed His disciples to be makers of the flavor of life in this world, enriching its goodness and making God’s work stand out. “But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked” (LK 6:35).
God commanded the Israelites to use salt in certain sacrifices as a symbol of His covenant with them. "Season all your grain offerings with salt. Do not leave the salt of the covenant of your God out of your grain offerings; add salt to all your offerings." (Leviticus 2:13)
We are called to be “flavor” of the world. He created us to make a positive difference in the world. “To be in the world but not of the world”. As followers of Christ, we are called to be different and to live righteous lives in this changing world.
Light:
A bulb in a lamp holder that does not give light is useless but only a bulb in a lamp holder that gives light has a value and beneficial for the people in the house or in a work place.
Many people in our churches today give no light, they are just in the church as members but they are not ready to become light to be useful and fruitful. It is the will of Christ and the father for every believer to become a light because He is the light and through him, we can shine. “You are the light of the world” (Matt. 5:14-16)
When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12)
“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome” (Genesis 1:1-4; John 1:5) Believers must be able to drive away the darkness and give light to the unbelievers or bring them back to the light.
Conclusion:
Does the life of the Church (Christians) today reflecting the testy flavor and does it spread its light in the darkness? Does our Churches and the Anglican Communion today reflect the life that God requires?
When one sees, reads and hears what is going on in the Church around the world, and compares with the teachings of Christ and the gospel, there is no comparison at all. The deep divisions, injustices, corruption, unfaithfulness. I feel so sad! Instead of being good example, my life and actions are completely contrary to the teaching of Jesus about love, unity, compassion and forgiveness.
One can only say, God have mercy and turn the hearts of your people to get back to you in order to be salt and light in the world. There is need for “Repentance” of each Church Leader including all the believers so that the whole Church rediscover the true love of God and life for His calling for His glory and honor.
The Most Revd. Ezekiel Kondo
Archbishop / Primate
Province of the Episcopal Church of Sudan
