I want you to think of a person who is “down” or sad. Now, hold that thought. In the gospel Jesus talks about salt. There are different kinds of salt. For example:
- Sea Salt. This is salt obtained from evaporating sea water. It is used in cooking, cosmetics and for
preserving food.
- Rock Salt. This is to break down the ice and snow on our roads.
- Epsom Salt. Salt for healing of body aches.
- Table Salt. This is the most common . . . for cooking, eating and adding flavor.
Back in the time of Jesus, salt was a symbol for wisdom. For example the phrase, “He has salt in his head” meaning lots of knowledge. Salt can also mean naughty behavior, such as a “salty conversations.”
Salt can do many things . . . preserve food, prevent decay, get rid of ice, help with healing. But the biggest reason that many of us use salt is to bring out flavor. That is, to bring out the best in the food.
So when Jesus talks about us being salt, maybe he means that we are to bring out the best in others. We all know how to put others down, how to hurt someone with our words or facial expressions, how to gossip or only look at the negatives of a situation.
But maybe Jesus is inviting us to affirm and support others. It is similar to how Jesus calls us to be light. That is, not to let our praise or good comments stay hidden but to bring them out for all to see.
Yet there are many ways for us to affirm. There is a book called the 5 Love languages which focuses on how couples can understand their way of giving and receiving love.
But for all of us, let me describe a few ways for you to bring out the best in others.
-With words of support. This is the most effective. To point out the goodness, to not sugar-coat or lie, but be honest. I remember when I took my color blind test as a 7th grader. The head teacher came back and said, “You passed. The person giving the exam was wrong.” Well, I know I couldn’t see the numbers in the dots. Don’t lie. Just be supportive.
-With acts of service. Do something nice. For example, shoveling snow, getting a cup of coffee or simply asking “How are you?” and then paying attention, listening.
-With spending quality time. This is especially true for you parents. Quality time is not the same as time. It’s is not simply being together (like looking at your phone the entire time) but engaging, listening and responding.
-Gifts. Often it doesn’t have to be big or expensive, but just a little reminder that they are important to you.
-Physical presence. Showing up at important events. A smile, a thumbs up can often help someone. Or the big one, if appropriate a hug. This can be especially important after a big let-down. Just showing up can convey that they have value and worth. And it will be OK
So, go be salt . . . support others, listen to their ideas, Go to their events. Share their posts. Celebrate in their victories and remind them of their importance after their failures. A little salt can bring out the best in food.
A little support can bring out the best in a person.
Now think of that person from the beginning of the homily that is down. Perhaps you could reach out to them this week . . . with support or affirmation. You, go be salt for them!