Written By Amy Reinhardt
To many, salt is nothing more than a way to season food. We sprinkle some on our vegetables and never give it a second thought. This popular mineral – made up of sodium chloride – is key to transforming food from bland to delicious in seconds. Having that extra flavoring can make a meal enjoyable and even memorable.
You may be asking why I’m talking so much about a simple seasoning. After all, what on earth could salt have to do with our call as Christians?
As Jesus says, “You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor? Can you make it salty again? It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless.” (Matthew 5:13)
God created His people to be salt, and as salt, we’re called to spread our flavor through evangelization. Our mission is to use our God-given saltiness to bring out goodness in the world.
If we lose our saltiness, we’re denying others a taste of God’s love and mercy. To answer the question in Matthew’s gospel, we can make ourselves salty again. We do it through deepening our relationship with Jesus. By establishing a daily prayer routine, we create continuous communication with our Father. By reading scripture and receiving the sacraments weekly, or even daily, we’re opening our hearts to God’s graces.
After being diagnosed with kidney failure, salt took on a whole new meaning in my life. I was no longer allowed to have it. The renal diet restricts sodium intake. I learned that salt retains fluid, which causes major issues for someone without kidney function. With my health in mind, I put the salt shaker away and consulted alternative ways to flavor my food.
Giving up salt was difficult and still is to this day. However, it’s opened up my eyes to the fifth chapter of Matthew’s gospel. “You are the salt of the earth.” Even though I’m no longer allowed to consume salt, that doesn’t change that I AM salt. I am designed to be the flavoring that attracts others to Jesus. My saltiness can change hearts and build out God’s kingdom.
How are you using your saltiness to change the world?
At 28 years old, Amy Reinhardt has been an Ascension parishioner for over half her life. She led Disciples Dwelling and was heavily involved in the young adult ministry up until getting diagnosed with end-stage renal disease. She strives to radiate Christ’s light and love to all who are blessed to know her. If you’d like to read Amy’s health updates, follow https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/amyreinhardt.