Salt & Light

You are the salt of the earth; but if salt has lost its taste, how can its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything, but is thrown out and trampled underfoot.

You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lamp 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 in heaven.

It is no secret that I really like bacon. In fact, since Miranda and I have been married, I have loved to get up on Saturday mornings, make some coffee and make breakfast. Naturally, bacon makes a frequent appearance on Saturday mornings.

A few years ago, we had a Pug named Emma, who would often get up with me on Saturday mornings and wait until the bacon was ready and she would get the "first fruits" of my labors. Bacon day was truly the best day for Emma and I.

Sadly, we lost Emma earlier this year, and bacon day just wasn't the same. But, the sizzle must go on.

I think what I love about bacon the most...well...beside everything...is the saltiness. While most people have a sweet tooth, I have a salt tooth. No, it's not the best for you, but neither is sweets. Everything in moderation. Mostly.

But there is something special about salt. It brings out the flavors of the food, it preserves food, and without it, food would just be bland. Have you ever tried cookies without salt? Esta No Bueno.

My brothers and sisters, Jesus calls us The Salt of the Earth. He tells his disciples, and those who were listening to his Sermon on the Mountain that we are the ones who bring flavor to the earth; that we are the ones who are called to bring out the best in the world. Ultimately, he tells the Church, DO NOT LOSE YOUR SALTINESS!

But unfortunately, I believe the Church in America has become less salty and more bland like the rest of the world...and instead of bringing out the best in those around us, we fit right in.

Over and over again, God tells the people of Israel that He has set them apart, he made them HOLY. Not better than, but different. He did this to show the world his grace and mercy. And What's better than that, he sent us Jesus, the perfect example and sacrifice.

He didn't do all of that just for us to be like everyone else. He did that to show the world what it truly means to be the Salt of the Earth kind of people.

So...how about we get to work? How about we stop being like the rest of the world and actually believe that we have the power of God's Holy Spirit living within us; the same power the raised Jesus from the dead lives, and it lives in us!

I think it's time to get Salty.

What do you think?

Let us Pray,

God of us all,

Help us to reclaim the power that you want to give us. Help us to become, once again, the salt of the earth, bringing out the best in everyone we come into contact with. Help us to be that light shining upon a hill so that others may know that you are a Good, Good Father, and that you came to save us!

In Jesus name we pray.
Amen.

In Memory of Emma
"The Bacon Pug"