During the Season of Lent we were writing on several scriptures that spoke of Jesus teaching to all of humankind; “just who do we say Jesus is.” We were able to take several examples of just who Jesus would like us to remember that he is and why he came to earth. For example Jesus taught us to remember; “I am the Good Shepherd, I am the bread of life, I am the gate, etc.” To remember who Jesus is, we can better in this meditation look at just who Jesus expects us to be.

Here in Matthew’s gospel we are able to read just who Jesus expects us to be; “You are the salt of the earth, you are the light of the world!” This is a major lesson for those of us who confess that Jesus is the Son of God who came to earth to save us from our sinful selfish ways. Using “salt” and “light” as descriptive adjectives of whom and what we are when we confess that we do follow Christ, the Son of God. Jesus does give us a lot of leeway in our trying to be his faithful followers. These teachings of Jesus describe who and what we are as His disciples living in the world of a lost and needy people. We are to be for all who are in need of his blessings, a preserving salt and illuminating light. If we can be what Jesus wants us to be, then we may then help them live a life more livable. What this says to me is that Jesus expects those of us who believe in him to live a giving and helping life for everyone we know who have life giving needs.

This is a difficult lesson of life. What it says to me is that, as we have been given, we are to give. Though I am sure we have known this teaching a long time, we do need to be reminded now and again, because it truly is more blessed to give than it is to receive. Be blest my children, our Lord is telling us, to give as we have received.

Prayer

O Lord God, how good it is to be reminded that there really is a better way of living than what most of us attempt to do. Thank you for using us in helping others, especially when we don’t even know how we have helped. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.