Salt and LightFebruary 7, 2020 • Deacon Rose Sapp  • BISHOP'S SERMONS

© Andreykuzmin

Fifth Sunday after Epiphany
Sunday, February 9, 2020
Lectionary A

Isaiah 58:1-9a, [9b-12]
1 Corinthians 2:1-12, [13-16]
Matthew 5:13-20
Psalm 112:1-9, (10) 

“Light of the World, Salt of the Earth,” the theme of the 2020 Diocesan Convention is reflected in today’s gospel reading. But what does that mean in the life of today’s Christian? Perhaps, if we look at the roles and purpose of salt and light we might get a clearer understanding of what we are called to do and be a Christians.

Salt – in today’s world, food storage and preservation most often takes the form of refrigeration, a concept foreign in the time of Christ. Salt was the primary source of preserving food, especially meat, to keep it from spoiling. Like today, it was also used to change or enhance flavor.

Light – for many of us today, light is as simple as flipping a switch. We take it for granted; to experience darkness is almost a deliberate choice. Such was not the case in Jesus’ time. Darkness held danger and uncertainty, but light required planning and preparation.

So, what do these two have in common that Jesus would have spoken of them together? Both salt and light create change in how life is experienced. As light, we can bring others out of lives of darkness and uncertainty; and as salt, we preserve them from the evils of the world.  But this can only happen when we engage the world without being overcome by it. We are called to be set apart, to be in the world, but not of the world. We must keep our saltiness; we must put our light on a stand so that it points the way to the Savior. To do this, we must engage and embrace others, especially those not like us, in love and understanding. We are not to condemn, or to shy away from those places of darkness, but to boldly let our light shine on the places of sin, pain, poverty and injustice. In this, we imitate Christ and fulfill our mission as witnesses to the gospel. 


The Rev. Rose Sapp is a deacon at the Cathedral Church of St. Luke, and the director of The Inheritance House healing ministry in Orlando.