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| ps from psJesus starts this upcoming weekend’s Gospel with this line: “You are the salt of the earth.” Now, living in Western New York, we have opinions about salt. We put salt on our roads. We put salt on our fries. We put it on our movie popcorn. Some of us probably put salt on things that already have enough salt. Salt is everywhere. And most of the time, we don’t think about it—until it’s missing. Ever had fries with no salt? They’re not fries. They’re sadness. Ever have movie popcorn without salt? Said no one ever!! Ever tried hitting the roads in winter before they were salted? Terrifying. That’s kind of Jesus’ point. Salt isn’t flashy. It doesn’t announce itself. But when it’s gone, everything is off. Flavorless. Flat. Even dangerous. Jesus says to the people listening that day…and this day, that salt? – it’s YOU. Not someone else.Not just pastors. Not the church choir or band. Not the Council. You You. And then, as if that wasn’t enough pressure, Jesus keeps going: “You are the light of the world.” Okay Jesus—salt and light? That feels like a lot for a cold winter’s day! But they are both already in you. Part of you. In Jesus’ time, salt wasn’t just seasoning. It preserved food. It kept things from spoiling. It slowed down decay. Which is interesting—because Jesus doesn’t say, “You are the sugar of the earth.” Or, “You are the sprinkles of the world.” You are not a sweet additive. You’re a preserving change agent. Salt changes things. Salt preserves things. Light changes things. Light lessens darkness. And neither one exists for itself. Salt doesn’t say, “Look at me, I’m salt!” Light doesn’t say, “Wow, I’m so bright.” They exist for the sake of others. Jesus is talking about a faith that actually does something. Not loud faith. Not perfect faith. Not Instagram-filler faith. Just… day-to-day, regular, everyday, useful faith. This week, put your useful faith into action for change. You don’t have to change the whole world this week. Just show up where you already are. Add flavor where things feel bland. Bring light where things feel heavy. Live your faith in ways that actually help someone. Because whether you realize it or not— You are already salt. You are already light. And God is using you—right now—more than you know. Lord, put my salt and light into action. Amen Still in One Peace ps. |
February 4, 2026
