Read Matthew 5:13-20
13 “You
are like salt for the whole human race. But if salt loses its saltiness, there
is no way to make it salty again. It has become worthless, so it is thrown
out and people trample on it.
14 “You
are like light for the whole world. A city built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15No
one lights a lamp and puts it under a bowl; instead he puts it on the
lamp-stand, where it gives light for everyone in the house. 16In
the same way your light must shine before people, so that they will see the
good things you do and praise your Father in heaven.
17 “Do
not think that I have come to do away with the Law of Moses and the teachings
of the prophets. I have not come to do away with them, but to make their
teachings come true. 18Remember that as long as heaven and earth
last, not the least point nor the smallest detail of the Law will be done away
with—not until the end of all things.a 19So then,
whoever disobeys even the least important of the commandments and teaches
others to do the same, will be least in the Kingdom of heaven. On the other
hand, whoever obeys the Law and teaches others to do the same, will be great in
the Kingdom of heaven. 20I tell you, then, that you will be able to
enter the Kingdom of heaven only if you are more faithful than the teachers of
the Law and the Pharisees in doing what God requires.
Think
In the sermon on the mount Jesus is speaking to the
crowds that followed him. Crowds of
people who were sick and afflicted – crowds of people who were the underdogs of
society. His challenge to them is that
they should be ‘more faithful’ than the Pharisees. Jesus is telling people who have come to
believe that they are nobodies that with God’s help they can be
somebodies. And they can be better
somebodies than the Pharisees.
Pray
Lord,
you tell me that I am salt and light.
But I feel more like dirt and darkness.
Your love can make me clean, your love can light my soul. So love me.
Cleanse me. Kindle a new fire in
my heart for your will and your Kingdom in the world.
Amen.
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