Tuesday, February 11, 2020

5th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle A - February 9, 2020

5th Sunday of Ordinary Time
Cycle A
February 8-9, 2020

Salt in Food


I seldom add salt to food.

We all know what the medical profession says about limiting the amount of sodium in our diet.  Most food needs some salt, but I rarely add more to what is already in it.

But, every August, I find myself using the salt shaker.  I enjoy a simple tomato sandwich: slices of vine-ripe August tomato, mayonnaise on the bread, a slice of cheddar cheese, and definitely a dash of salt on the tomato.

The salt brings out the wonderful taste of the tomato.  It just isn’t quite as good without the salt.

Those who like to cook tell me how important salt is. Just the right amount brings out the full flavor of the beef or green beans or whatever, but too much salt can ruin the taste.

We Are Salt

Our use of salt on food helps us to appreciate today’s gospel.

Jesus tells us that we are “the salt of the earth.”  The idea is that we are to flavor and enhance the world.

Just as salt does for food, we are to bring out the best in those around us.  So, parents are salt by helping their children develop their math skills or by working with them on their reading.

Teachers and guidance counselors are salt by guiding young people into the extra-curriculars that will develop them well – the school newspaper, or drama, or lacrosse, whatever.  We can be salt by listening carefully to a spouse or friend, helping them to clarify what their upset is all about, and then assisting them in figuring out how they might best express themselves.

It is important to remember that ordinary salt is something we seldom notice.  We never say: “Wow, that salt really tastes good!”

Instead, we say: “That fried chicken was great!”  If it is the right amount, the salt enhances and draws the best out of the food but draws no attention to itself.

That is an important feature of salt.  Jesus wants us to have this same feature.

We Are Light

Jesus also tells us that we are to be “the light of the world.”  

Well, we don’t sit and look at a light bulb and we definitely should not look directly at the sun.  Instead, we look at what light illumines.

So, something like being salt, as light we are not to be the center of attention.  Instead, we are to light up what is beyond us and enable others to see certain things.

Maybe it is the light of an insight, when we try to guide a young adult on a relationship issue.  Maybe it is the light of lifting up the good possibilities that someone still has instead of just focusing on their mistakes and failures.

Maybe it is pointing out the light instead of cursing the darkness in general.  Instead of just harping on the bad things is our society and world, we can lift up persons who give generously of their time in Habitat for Humanity and things like that.

Several years ago, Pope Francis gave an interview to a journalist who is a non-believer, probably an agnostic.  And the Pope showed great respect for this talented man. 

He affirmed the good things this man is doing and said we meet and are one in doing good.  That’s a way to be light in today’s world and it is a good example for us maybe in dealing with a son or daughter or others who have fallen away from the practice of the faith. 

Conclusion

So, Jesus uses some simple images to describe how he wants us to be his disciples.  Both salt and light focus beyond themselves, not on themselves.

And both are very positive in the way they act.  Helpful images and lessons for us today!