Meditation for Feb. 2, 2023

Rev. Angela C. Bosfield Palacious

In Matthew 5:13-20 NIV, we find images of salt and light:

¹³ “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.

¹⁴ “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. ¹⁵ Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, giving light to everyone in the house. ¹⁶ In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

SALT

If you have ever travelled to Inagua, you would know all about the powerful effects of salt. You would have seen the salt pans, witnessed the condensation, the formation of crystals, and the harvesting of salt into mountains of salt. Much of ours is used by Morton Salt Company to be exported for winter road use and for the manufacturing of chemicals.

Even if you have not been to this amazing Bahamian island in the south, you may have cooked with too little or too much salt. You know very well what the addition of salt means to a meal when it is used to enhance flavours and not to make everything salty, as is usually the case with salted popcorn. Additionally, salt protects and preserves, and is used to disinfect and promote healing.

What does it mean to you to be classified as salt by our Lord? Are you a protector and preserver of Christian principles, justice, and righteous living? Do you promote healing in relationships wherever possible, or cleanse the atmosphere with interceding prayers? What is your level of influence in this regard?

LIGHT

What does it mean to you to be an example of good deeds to the degree that your heavenly Father is glorified? Is your light shining for others to see in a world darkened by sin and evil?

Where do you shine the brightest? Is it in a church where you worship with deep devotion and offer selfless service? Is it on the job, where you are known to be conscientious and caring? Is it at home where you are respectful, honest and compassionate?

When is your light at its dimmest? What situations tempt you to sin? Are there people, places and things that you need to avoid until you are strong enough to shine brightly?

Take time as you prepare for Lent later this month (Ash Wednesday is February 22, 2023) to examine your conscience as you ponder these images. Jesus says that we are salt and light as believers. Let us improve our level of influence with the help of the Holy Spirit.