‘You are the salt of the earth; but if salt has lost its taste, how can its saltiness be restored?...... ‘You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hidden. 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.  Matthew 5 : 13 - 15

This week’s reading : Matthew 5 : 13 - 20

Thought for the week

In Matthew’s Gospel the Sermon on the Mount comes at the outset of Jesus’ ministry. After His baptism, and the call of the first disciples, Jesus reveals how He speaks to us in our emptiness, in our need, in our openness to receive, to be healed and filled with His Holy Spirit. The Kingdom begins and flourishes in us.

‘Blessed are the poor in Spirit’. ‘Blessed are the meek’. ‘Blessed are the pure in heart’. ‘Blessed are the peacemakers’.

As Jesus goes on to speak of salt and light, it becomes clear the Kingdom is to be shown and made real in our daily lives. Amongst the everyday conversations and details. Salt and light are common, yet at the same time precious, and a little goes a long way.

Jesus calls us to be His disciples amongst everyday things. To be immersed and pray amongst the everyday concerns, trials and joys of all those around us, so that His glory may shine and His love and mercy be shown. Everyday, faithful people of the Lord who is the same yesterday, today and for ever.

Rev Paul

Prayer for this week

Commission & Benediction: Salt of the Earth

The Spirit of God is upon you and has anointed you.

You are the salt of the earth and you bring light to the world.

You are not too young or too old, you are not too rich or too needy

to bring good news to the impoverished, to give a hand to the broken-hearted,

and to live out freedom and pardon through the gifts you have been given.

So remember to pack peace in your toolbox, hope in your briefcase,

love in your lunch box, and may integrity, honesty, and joy be your designer wear of choice.

Do not be frightened, for you are never alone.

The God in whose image you are made will walk with you and guide you today, tomorrow, and every day.