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Don’t lose your ‘flavor!’ Stay ‘salty’ for Jesus

View from the Pew

Jesus said to his disciples: “You are the salt of the earth, but if salt loses its taste with what can it be seasoned? It is no longer food for anything but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. You are the light of the world A city set on a mountain cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and then put it under a bushel basket; it is set on a lampstand, where it gives light to all in the house. Just so, your light must shine before others that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father.” (Mt 5:13-16)

“You are the salt of the earth, you are the salt of the earth, but if that salt has lost its flavor it ain’t got much in its favor. You can’t have that fault and be the salt of the earth.”

The first passage is from the Gospel of Matthew, the second from the 1970’s musical based on that Gospel- “Godspell.” My baby boomer inner teen can’t help but hear the second when I read the first! And really it’s an important message whether its sung or spoken or written on the subway walls, (Aha, another mid century musical reference!) Being a Christian is about doing God’s work in the world. And what’s more, letting it be known that that’s who you’re working for.

In this Sunday’s first reading from Isaiah we ‘re told “Share your bread with the hungry, shelter the oppressed and the homeless; clothe the naked when you see them, and do not turn your back on your own.” Why? Because that’s what God asks of us.

Part of the growing atheist movement is the theme that you don’t have to be a Godly person to be a good person. Philanthropic atheists like the late Christopher Hitchens are held up as examples. I admire anyone who helps others and if it’s a totally personal effort that’s fine. However I do not labor under the delusion that I am just an inherently good person. Any good in me comes from my relationship with God and the desire it gives me to use the teachings of Jesus as a guide for my life. Do I consider myself compassionate? Yes, but that compassion, the desire to reach out to someone in need, isn’t a personal accomplishment to add to some spiritual resume. It’s a blessing, a sign of God working in my life. It’s God saying, “Over here, here’s a place that needs one of my workers.” I imagine that the best of us jump right in without a moment’s hesitation. Me, I might tend to whine a little. “Really, you want me to do that right now? I’m kind of tired.” I’m trying to do better about the whining.

Trying to do better is also part of the message in the Gospel. You are the light of the world! Come on out from under that bushel basket! Get up on that lampstand and shine! Be the city so high up on the mountain that no one can miss it! And let everyone know where that light comes from, who built that city. The world needs to know that God is alive and at work. It’s an honor and privilege to be asked to participate in that work. Jesus calls us to embrace that privilege with enthusiasm. We can’t let our worries and burdens make us “lose our flavor.” I have a little plaque that says “Always Be Kinder Than You Feel.” I think I need one that just says “Be Salty!”

God bless.

Editor’s note: Ellen Sargent is a long-time resident of the Marquette area and member of the Catholic Church. She is married to Mining Journal Managing Editor Bud Sargent.

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