June 9, 2026, Matthew 5:13-16

In today’s Gospel reading, Jesus talks to his disciples about being “the salt of the earth” and “the light of the world.”  In the analogy of salt, just a pinch flavors the whole pot of soup. The salt naturally dissolves and spreads throughout the soup, and this is like bringing the message of peace that can spread throughout society. But, Jesus says, if the salt has lost its flavor it is not useful for anything and gets thrown out. This could be for example if it was not properly cared for or was left out in the rain. This means that the disciples should take care of themselves and of the enormous value of the message love and peace that they carry.

In the image of a light, Jesus says it should not be hidden under a basket, but rather set up on a lamp stand, where without even trying it dispels the darkness. The light does not specifically fight the darkness or try to come up with strategies to defeat it.  Simply by being, the light overpowers the darkness. The only thing the light needs is fuel, in those days lamp oil.

What do these teachings mean for us today?  Do we want to influence the course of human events towards the good?  Do we feel hopeless about how to help our society be more harmonious? This teaching from the Gospels tells us that we can spread influence by embodying the light – the light of kindness, compassion, love, truth, peace, justice, service. The light dispels the darkness, even if it doesn’t feel like much is happening.

The light radiates without limit nearly effortlessly, but it does need fuel to burn. That fuel is its nourishment, that is, making sure we have enough nourishment of body, mind, and spirit to maintain health and spiritual alignment. We cannot burn the candle at both ends, so to speak. We must attend to our own health and replenishment, whether it means our time in prayer and meditation, going out in the fresh air and sunshine, looking at flowers in the park, patting our cat, or getting cozy on the couch with some tea. The light cannot burn without a basis of fuel. Yet when the light does shine, it radiates influence of its own accord, naturally, without relying on willpower or effort.

That is all for today. Amen.