Daily reflection for the Season of Lent

Friday 26th February 2021

'Spiritual seasoning!'

Many years ago, I shared a cottage with a close friend who worked as a shepherd. He was a good guy and we got on well together. There was, however, the odd occasion in which he made life difficult. It concerned his taste for salt fish – fish that had been dried and salted. First, the fish was soaked overnight it in water to rehydrate it and get rid of the excess salt. It was then boiled on top of the oil-fired Rayburn. My main problem was the smell. It took a couple of days for the rather unappetising smell to dissipate! In other words, in my view,  it stank the house out!

Bible Reading

Matthew 5: 31-16

'Salt and Light'
“You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.
“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.
Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.
In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

Reflection

One of the most common culinary ingredients is Salt. It has many uses including flavouring and preserving food and is an essential part of a healthy, balanced diet. The point that Jesus is making here is obvious. Faith must flavour our lives. Faith that is merely private inward belief is a contradiction! It is sterile faith. Like salt that has lost its saltiness it serves no useful purpose!  So, is your life flavoured with spiritual seasoning? Do you season the world around you?

A Poem by Mari Fitz-Wynn

Jesus.
His name is a complete sentence.
His name is an entire prayer.
His name alone brings healing.
His name guarantees salvation.
His name quenches the thirsty soul and fills the soul's hunger.
Jesus
His name is the perfect solution to every problem.
His name can resolve conflict.
He brings peace and calm into every situation.
His name is protection.
His name brings light when darkness is all around.
Jesus
His name is music, it is the sweetest melody.
His name is joy unspeakable.
His name is perfect
His name is altogether lovely, magnificent, glorious.
His name is Emmanuel, He is God with us.
Amen

A prayer for Spiritual Seasoning

"You are the salt of the earth."
Sprinkle us across our community, across our world, to bring the flavour of your Kingdom wherever we go.
"You are the light of the world."
Uncover the radiance that is within us, to shine the truth of your love wherever we go.
"Let your light shine before others"
that everyone we meet may see our lives of worship
and glorify you, our Father in heaven.
Amen.

Blessing

May God the Father,
who does not despise the broken spirit,
give to you a contrite heart.
Amen.
May Christ,
who bore our sins in his body on the tree,
heal you by his wounds.
Amen.
May the Holy Spirit,
who leads us into all truth,
speak to you words of pardon and peace.
Amen.
And the blessing of God almighty,
the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit,
be among you and remain with you always.