Good morning!
Greetings in the name of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
“Salt is good, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? (Luke 14:34)
When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, and he began to teach them. The first teaching was The Beatitudes, which is the greatest sermon:
“Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek,
for they will inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be filled.
Blessed are the merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart,
for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called children of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
“Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. (Matthew 5:3-12)
Jesus’s first Beatitudes sermon always touches the hearts of believers and even non-believers. Those who are poor in spirit and mourn will be comforted, and they will inherit the kingdom of God because their hearts are poor and open for His kingdom, where God’s mercy overflows. Those who are thirst for righteousness will be filled because God is always gracious and with them. God stands right next to them with an open mighty and loving arm. God watches over them because God is righteous. Jesus continued:
“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.
“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. (Matthew 5:13-16)
Right after the Beatitudes sermon filled with supreme blessings to those who gathered around Jesus, Jesus told them to be salt and light. First, who were the people gathered on the mountain side listening to Jesus? Jesus was at His early ministry. Even so, a large group of people came out to see and hear from Jesus. They were hungry and thirsty for righteousness, searching for comfort, peace and God’s righteousness while escaping from their daily lives in bondage of oppression and injustice under Roman occupation. For them, Jesus’ comforting message was an oasis from which they could drink comfort and peace. Jesus poured His love, mercy and blessings, and they were soaked with the mercy and blessings. Their hearts were filled and their souls were satisfied.
Then Jesus told them “you are the salt of the earth and the light of the world.” Although on earth, they were suffering and in great need of comfort. Jesus also pointed out what meant to be the light of the world: doing good deeds. Their good deeds shined out for all to see, so that everyone would praise God, our heavenly Father. Then God put in a plain view so that more people could see their good deeds and praise God. Praise the Lord, who uses those who are weak, meek and poor in spirit to glorify His Name.
Jesus also told people to be the salt of the earth. At that time, salt was perceived differently. Not like our current days, salt was quite precious because it was relatively harder to get than today. It was almost treated like money. Of course, the main function of salt was adding a good flavor to food. It also used to preserve food. Although salt was much more precious than now, if it loses its saltiness, it became useless.
It is of no use either for the soil or for the manure pile. It is thrown away. He who has ears to hear, let him hear.” (Luke 14:35)
In fact, salt without saltiness cannot be used for food or preserving food. Even it cannot be used as either soil or manure. In fact, dirt is more valuable than such salt. Nothing can grow on salt. Then it will be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet as Bible says.
What’s the meaning of losing its saltiness in the spiritual domain? Spiritual saltiness preserves us — keeping us from sinning and protecting sins of the world. Additionally, as salt melts away and loses its shape while adding flavor to food, being the salt of the earth also leads us to the same process in the spiritual domain. As the salt of Christ, we lose our own self (especially our old self), and need to be completely dissolved into the people around us.
Let’s look at Jesus. He gave Himself to save us when we were sinners and against Him. This is the greatest example of saltiness given to us. He was beaten and perished like salt melting away for us. Thus, through his sacrifice, our sins are forgiven, and our broken relationship with God is restored. We are again in peace with God, our Eternal Father. This is the ultimate saltiness of Jesus Christ.
Salt is good, but if the salt has lost its saltiness, how will you make it salty again? Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with one another.” (Mark 9:50)
Although we might be able to give our own life for others, like Jesus, we can humbly dissolve ourselves for others to care and serve them in the love of Jesus Christ. Through this, we will restore them in the love of Jesus. Our saltiness brings peace of Jesus Christ, while expanding His kingdom on earth. Our saltiness makes us be called children of God. The name of our God, the Ever-Loving Father will be glorified. Praise the Lord! Although we cannot be the salt of the earth by own might, through the blood and the love of Jesus, we can be transformed to the salt of the earth. Give thanks to God for He is Our Ever-Lasting and Ever-Loving Father!
Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification. (Romans 14:19)