God Names

Here are some thoughts on this Sunday’s gospel that I shared with the people of St. Timothy Lutheran Church. 

Gospel: Matthew 5:13-20

[Jesus said:] 13“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.

 14“You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. 15 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. 16In 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.

 17“Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets; I have come not to abolish but to fulfill. 18 For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth pass away, not one letter, not one stroke of a letter, will pass from the law until all is accomplished. 19 Therefore, whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches others to do the same, will be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. 20For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.”

Salt, light and the law…hmm…what shall we make of this? I want to concentrate on the first two paragraphs about salt and light. The gist of it all is that Jesus names the disciples, names us. 

What does Jesus call us? Beloved, salt, light, child of God. Here is a prayer based on this reading by Rev. Lisa Ann Moss Degrenia.

Jesus,

You name us Beloved, Blessed

Son, Daughter

Sibling, Heir

Help us remember

You name us Child of the King

Redeemed, Forgiven

Saved by grace through faith

Help us remember

You name us Light, Salt,

Hope, Grace

A Priesthood of Believers

Help us remember

You name us, you alone

Nothing can change what You have said

Blessed be your Holy Name

Amen. 

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