Monday of Lent 2

DAY 11: March 1, 2021 Monday of Lent 2- Matthew 5:13

[1]

“You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet. – Matthew 5:13  

A free translation of this verse might read as follows, “You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored or be again salted?  It is no longer good or has the strength for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people's feet.”

Salt cannot lose itself. Christianity is the preservative of the world. When it is lost it is good for nothing. Salt and light must be seen through the life and actions of Jesus. Christ was literally trampled underfoot. They killed the shepherd. And the sheep scattered. 

Jesus calls His imperfect people “the salt of the earth” and “the light of the world.” (Matthew 5:14). That’s because the Lord Jesus came not to abolish the Law or the Prophets “but to fulfill them” (Matthew 5:17) in perfect faith and love.

Christ’s followers are described as “the salt of the earth.” His responsibility toward the world are to be understood in terms of the various qualities of salt, such as strengthening, flavoring, preserving, purifying, etc. Jesus saw His followers as leveling agents in an impure world. Their example would keep the fire of faith alive even under stress.

Indeed here is the righteousness that exceeds the righteousness of Pharisees—a righteousness that does not come from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ. This righteousness is literally a gift from God, a gift that is given because of the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, a redemption that was purchased with the blood of Jesus. [2] 

Humanity will not benefit if salt – or disciples, Christ followers – become useless. One might as well throw it out to be trampled underfoot. It is therefore imperative that we remain connected to Christ at all times.

The word “salary” comes from the word salt. The Romans would pay their soldiers not in gold but in salt. A faithful worker was literally “worth his salt.” Christ says of you, “You are the salt of the world.” That is, a preservative in this corrupt and sinful world. God preserves the world, so that Christians may serve Him here. 

Lent is a season of witness. The Lord has bestowed upon you talents, abilities and gifts to be share with your neighbor for his benefit. Think how you can impart a person’s life. What opportunities await you to be the hands and feet the fingers and toes of Jesus? 

  

Let your Spirit, O Lord, come into the midst of us to wash us with the pure water of repentance, and prepare us to be always a living sacrifice to You; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen. [3]

[1] Go into all the world copyright © Ed Riojas Higher Things

[2] Rev. Dr. Daniel J Brege study notes for Epiphany 5 Series A

[3]Collect for Monday of Lent 2,  http://www.liturgies.net/Lent/LentenCollects.htm