Jesus calls believers to be salt and light, metaphors that communicate the church’s role as participants in God’s mission of restoring creation. In the beatitudes, Jesus said that God sees the injustice and difficulty of people living in a broken world. These injustices will end when God’s kingdom comes on earth. The church is the body God will use to bring that Kingdom. Salt improves the place where it is. Light goes to places where light is not. Together, these mean that the church will build communities that bear witness to God’s reign in Jesus. The church participates in this reign by taking up Jesus’ priestly ministry in the world, and by exercising authority like Jesus, through sacrificial service. Only by being salt and Light can the church be true to its mission.

Questions for Reflection

1. What things do I think the church ought to prioritize? Which things are less important?
2. Do I have opportunities to be a priest to those around me? What skills do I need to do that well?
3. How am I making my community a better place? Would people notice if I wasn’t there?
4. Are there ways that I can develop more opportunities to serve others?

Other Videos in this Series

1. The Beatitudes