The beatitudes concern the inner attitudes that must belong to a Christian as one who is part of the kingdom of God, but now the images of salt and light make it clear that Christianity demands more than a personal feeling or an individual moral code. Salt and light are important because of what they do, the effect they have on something else. So also, the disciple of Christ is not called merely for his or her own sake, but to accomplish a change in the world.

If Christians concentrate only on their own personal salvation and do not flavor and preserve the world around them (as is the function of salt), and if they do not cast a light of truth into the lives of their associates, they are — in the words of Jesus — good for nothing.

Salt, for the ancients, was a very precious commodity. It was quite essential for health in a hot, dry climate. It not only added graciousness and flavor to meals, but was needed to preserve food. Yet because it had to be dug out of remote and inaccessible areas, such as around the Dead Sea, and transported long distances, salt was valuable and very carefully guarded. At times it was used as a means of exchange and payment — "salary" in its word-origins means "salt-pay."

Light, of course, is a recurring image for truth and wisdom throughout the Scriptures. Light is not merely to be seen and enjoyed, but to be used —to allow us to see other things as they are, and to find our way through life.

Look at these same verses in other Gospels. Mark’s version is probably the closest to the original sayings of Jesus. In Mk 9:49-50, salt is an image of the effect that Christ’s words will have in the hearts of those who receive him, while in Lk 14:34-35, it refers to the whole-hearted dedication of a disciple. Light in Mk 4:21 designates the power of Jesus’ teachings. Here in Matthew, however, both salt and light refer to the effect that the disciples’ lives must have on others.

The Gospel theme of "what you are must overflow into what you do" is echoed in this discourse on the nature and results of true fasting. Any religious act that is done from false motives is a perversion and a lie. False fasting may be done either for show or for self-perfection. True fasting gives up what one holds dear — not merely food alone — for the sake of sharing with those in need.

This song extols the virtues of the truly good person — he or she is an example and inspiration to all. Concern for others and generosity are their own reward and seen as the source of salvation. Response: "The just man is a light in darkness to the upright."

True wisdom cuts to the heart of all things and sees them as they truly are. Wisdom is not the same as knowledge or understanding. Rather, wisdom is the ability to give proper perspective to what we know and understand. The power of the Spirit, which is the source of wisdom, enables us to view every element of our lives in relation to Christ crucified, and therefore in relation to the kingdom of God.

In this passage, Paul remembers his first visit to Corinth. After he had suffered a stunning defeat at Athens where he attempted to use human wisdom to explain the Christian way and to win over the pagan philosophers, he went to Corinth chastened by a keen sense of his own inadequacy. After a brief initial rejection, his preaching was immensely successful because he focused on the paradox of a crucified Savior rather than on rational explanations for faith. (See Acts 17:16-18:11.)

1. What is light and what does it do? What is salt, and what does it do? Do these images still have value and strength in today’s world? How do these images speak to you in your own life?

2. What does Paul mean by contrasting worldly wisdom with the power of God? Is there such a thing as spiritual wisdom?