Claimed, gathered and sent

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. 16 In 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 comma...

This is the sermon I preached at St. Timothy Lutheran Church last Sunday, 2/9/20. The gospel text was Matthew 5:13-20 . Some people can put together all kinds of things and make wonderful, flavorful soup. I cannot. Now, I can make a great cream of broccoli or cauliflower soup because I have a good recipe. But to just throw it all together…something is always missing—is it this or that spice or do I need more salt? Today’s gospel continues the Sermon on the Mount, following the Beatitudes. Today, Jesus expands on the call to discipleship. The metaphors of salt and light set the terms of their calling. Jesus told his disciples, “You ARE the salt of the earth.” What does that make you think of? Don’t we know people whom we describe in such terms? They are reliable, good people who would do anything for anyone. Jesus did not tell his disciples they would BECOME salt or that they are SUPPOSED to be salt but said they ARE salt. This is a descriptive statement of the disciples’ ...

Here are some thoughts on this Sunday's gospel. What do you think? This was sent to 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.  16 In 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...