Being the Salt and the Light


Isaiah 58:1-9a, (9b-12); 1 Corinthians 2:1-12; Matthew 5:13-20

The weeks before Lent invite us to slow down and take an honest look at ourselves.
Not ashes yet. Not deep repentance yet.

Just a simple, searching question: Does my faith show up in how I live?
Today’s readings don’t let us avoid that question.

When Faith Looks Full but Is Actually Empty
God speaks clearly and firmly through Isaiah. The people pray. They fast. They seek God every day. From the outside, they look faithful and devoted.
But God sees something deeper. They worship, yet treat others unfairly. They pray, yet ignore hunger and suffering. They act humble, yet keep their hearts closed.

And God says plainly: This is not what I want. True faith, God says, looks like this:
freeing people who are burdened feeding the hungry
welcoming the homeless
caring for those in need
Spiritual practices are not the goal. They are meant to change us. If prayer doesn’t soften us, and worship doesn’t make us more compassionate, then something is missing.

God’s Wisdom Looks Like the Cross
Paul reminds us that he did not come with fancy words or impressive arguments. He came with one simple message: Jesus Christ, crucified. The cross shows us what God’s wisdom truly looks like. Not power. Not control. Not religious performance. But humility, vulnerability, and love that costs something. Following Jesus means letting go of always needing to look strong or right. Real faith reshapes us from the inside out.

Faith Is Meant to Be Seen
Jesus puts it simply:
You are the salt of the earth.
You are the light of the world. Not try to be. Not someday. You are. Salt is meant to add flavor. Light is meant to shine. Faith is meant to show up—in how we treat people, in the choices we make, and in how we care for the world around us. This isn’t about showing off holiness. It’s about letting God’s goodness become visible through our lives.

Standing at the Door of Lent
Before Lent begins, God asks one gentle but honest question: Is my faith visible in my life? Not perfect. Not impressive. But real. Isaiah gives us a promise: when faith turns into love and action, light breaks through. Healing begins. God draws near and says, “Here I am.”

As Lent approaches, may we not just practice religion—but become people whose lives bring flavor, light, and hope to the world.

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