Be Salty Light
6 Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of injustice, to undo the thongs of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke? 7 Is it not to share your bread with the hungry, and bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked, to cover them, and not to hide yourself from your own kin? 8 Then your light shall break forth like the dawn, and your healing shall spring up quickly; your vindicator shall go before you, the glory of the LORD shall be your rear guard. 9a Then you shall call, and the LORD will answer; you shall cry for help, and he will say, Here I am. (Isaiah 58:6-9a)
When we fast, or devote specific time to pray and seek God, do we expect the world to change? Do we expect a change in ourselves? Through the prophet, Isaiah, God called the people out on their meaningless fasts. They did what they were "supposed" to do, but their hearts, minds, and the world around them remained unaffected. God made it clear that something different is needed and expected - fixing injustice, removing burdens, relieving oppression. Then God even told them how to do it - share food, shelter, and clothing with those in need, and maintain relationships with family. Simple...but not always easy.
Our news cycle is filled with reports of daily - sometimes hourly - street violence, police shootings and abuse, mass shootings, car jackings, as well as perpetual food insecurity and homelessness. Each of these reports leave, often unseen, children in their wake. Our most vulnerable population is frequently left even more defenseless. God is still speaking to us through the Isaiah passage, imploring us to forsake our selfish prayers and take up the cause of those whose voices will not be heard if we don't speak, those whose lives will remain fractured if we don't help them put the pieces back together. Broken people will remain broken if they are never taught
to see their wholeness.
Jesus calls us to be salt and light. We are salt when we embed ourselves in the wounds of this world to bring about healing. We are light when we refuse to be silent about injustice and oppression - illuminating the darkness of complacency that allows systemic infections to fester. Submerging a wound in salty water hurts as it heals, and shining a light before eyes that have become accustomed to the darkness is initially blinding, until the light becomes the norm. In verses eight and nine of Isaiah 58, God promises God's protection, provision, and presence when we don't let the fear of the initial sting keep us from seeking and being
the salt and light we are called to be.
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." (Matthew 5:13-16)
