Daily Devotions are published Tuesday-Saturday during the Covid-19 Pandemic.
Matthew 5:13-16
“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.”
Devotion
Truth be told I am writing these words 22 days before May 5th. It is Easter Sunday and the hope for this weekend is that we lift up the Risen Christ, and that this renews God’s message to us that we have a future of everlasting life. In less lofty terms, we wonder this day how much longer we will need to be in isolation and separation. There is talk of May 1st, but it seems a false hope and by the time you read this we will know the outcome of that prediction.
What does this have to do with today’s reading or devotion for May 5th? The devotion readings provide a sampling of text from (NIV) Psalm’s 66, 98, 116 and 146, all of which ask us to praise the Lord, with song, music, and adoration. Then there is the folly of Exodus 32, and the creation of the false god, then to thank God for the faith of the Thessalonians and finally to Matthew and the Beatitudes.
It is this last reading that moves me to write on these words today, “You are the salt of the earth,” and later “You are the light of the world.”
In these trying times before we have answers and understanding of how to cope with the pandemic and its aftermath, we need to rely on our faith and the words of our scripture. We have our God and we have our Christian beliefs, and we need to remember that Jesus calls us out to be the salt and the light.
Story after story during these critical times present us with the strength and compassion of countless people who are making sacrifice after sacrifice to help one another. Endowed with our faith we are the salt and the light. We strive to make this a better world despite the suffering and obstacles. Each person in their own place and time contribute to making the sacrifice that will benefit those who they do not know, but for whom they care.
Be blessed this Cinco De Mayo!
Prayer
Thank you, Lord, for the love and care you have given to us so that we may in turn share our love of our neighbors. Comfort those who have suffered loss, strengthen those who need your support, give courage to us all to face the future with optimism and faith. Amen.
Bob Clark