Our spiritual journey entails being disciples on a mission- a mission calling us to be salt of the earth. Jesus tells his disciples (we are included), you are the salt of the earth (Mt. 5:13).
The uses for salt are the same today as in Palestine at the time of Jesus. Let us reflect on a few of the functions of salt and make application to our own lives.
- Since there was no refrigeration at the time of Jesus, salt was used to preserve food from corruption. As disciples of Jesus, we are called to keep away from the corruption of greed, envy, selfishness, malicious gossip, and other vices that go against the values of Jesus. We are called to preserve the values that Jesus preached and lived by our own words and actions.
What value of Jesus needs my attention in my life?
- Salt enhances the flavor of food. Our mission is to be a flavoring agent through our treatment of others and our love of the faith Jesus has given us.
Do I enhance the lives of others by affirming their goodness and giftedness or do I constantly criticize them, make damaging statements about them, or utter misleading or false statements about them?
Who do I need to affirm this week?
- Salt is used as an agent of healing. When my gums are sore, I put a saline solution of salt on them. This does the trick. We, as disciples, are called to be a “curing agent” for others.
Who needs me to be a healing presence to them?
What needs healing in my own life? Ask the Lord to be a healing agent for you.
- In biblical times salt was used as a catalyst for igniting fire. By our Baptism/Confirmation we are called to be a catalyst that ignites the fire which spreads God’s love, justice, reconciliation, peace, and mercy.
In what practical ways can I be a catalyst of fire to my family, friends, and community?
Jesus tells us, if salt loses its taste, with what can it be seasoned? It is no longer good for anything but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot (vs. 13). Jesus informs his listeners that the disciple who has lost the true meaning of discipleship is as useless as salt that has lost its flavor.
In what ways have I been a true disciple this month?
By Sister Marie Leonard, OSB