February 6th - Reflection

Fifth Sunday After Epiphany
Matthew 5:13-20 (NRSV)
The teaching of Christ: salt and 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 under foot.

"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 lampstand, 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.

"Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets; I have come not to abolish but to fulfill. For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth pass away, not one letter, not one stroke of a letter, will pass from the law until all is accomplished. Therefore, whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches others to do the same, will be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.

Reflection
We're talking about a new relationship with God. Now we have Jesus. Before it was only the law. Now we are in relationship with Jesus. Jesus, the one sent to fulfill the law. In and through Jesus we are brought into the presence of God.

Salt is more than a preservative. To the Rabbis it also meant wisdom. The wisdom, or salt had to come in contact. And Jesus has come in contact with you and me, in a close way. Jesus relationship with you and me is so close that we take him in and he becomes part of us. Just as in Holy Communion, Jesus came into this world as flesh and blood to be in contact with the people. Jesus came to heal, touch, teach and live with us. Jesus came to form a relationship with us. Jesus came to be us and to take on sin in a close way. Jesus took on sin and came in contact with sin.

Likewise we are sent into this world to contact and let Jesus' light shine to a world of darkness. We are sent to show and tell of a Savior that is close and personal yet corporate for all.

What about the law? Jesus in contact with the law, and in the wisdom of God, teaches us that Jesus is the fulfillment of the law. We love the Lord with all our heart, mind and spirit. Jesus loves you and me likewise. As we fail the law...Jesus overcomes the law...as we die...Jesus brings life through his death and resurrection.

The law? Jesus teaches and demonstrates a new power and depth and love to the law. Thanks be to God!

Prayer
Lord, shed you light and wisdom on the law that I may be one with you. Lead me in you to that new depth of love, for you and for all those you give to me...today...tomorrow and forever. --- Amen