Pastor’s Corner – September 29, 2024
Spiritual Salt for Seasoning
Mark 9:38-50
Growing up in South Korea as a child, we didn’t have much, things like telephone, television, and refrigerator. These are of course basic necessities for modern life. We were poor, as most Koreans were at the time. GDP per capita was below three hundred US dollars. Today, South Korea ranks as one of the largest economic power houses. Growing up without a refrigerator, mom had to use salt to preserve food (a lot of pickled food), especially meat if we were lucky to have some on the dinner table. One dish I enjoy and remember was jangjorim, a braised beef in soy sauce! The beef was cut in thin slices to small portions and very salty to the taste. To enjoy this dish, you scoop a large portion of rice with your spoon and place a small piece on top to balance the taste. This coming Sunday, Jesus talks about salt as seasoning, that everyone will be “salted with fire!” If you lose your saltiness, how can you season life that is given to you? What is he saying in these verses? At our lectionary study group that meets Wednesday mornings, we had extensive conversation over this matter. (By the way, if you would like to be part of our lectionary study group please join us in shaping the sermon for Sunday. Our reflection together matters for the coming week). Elizabeth Torres kept repeating the word “rebellious!” when we reflected on what it means to be salty. We all chuckled but I think she has a point. To be “rebellious” doesn’t mean lawlessness with criminal intent here, but to rebel against oppressive systems that dehumanize people and to bring peace and reconciliation. This is one of the reasons why Jesus was casting out demons and restoring wholeness and healing. This project is larger than individual self or single group of people’s tasks. There will be others joining in these “rebellious” acts and following Jesus’ way. The disciples wanted to patent and monopolize this task/mission to accumulate power and tattletale to Jesus others who were doing the same tasks, casting out demons in Jesus’ name. Jesus told his disciples, basically “mind your own business!” This mission is so important that it is better to cut off one’s limbs, pluck out eyes that are impediments to this “rebellious” mission, proclaiming the kingdom of God than fall short of God’s glory or in Jesus’ words, “thrown into hell!”
So how can we be the salts of our world today? I am proud that we are now More Light Congregation and our mission committee is planning a celebration on October 5th to mark this important witness in the life of our faith. And to reach out to our community during the North Texas Pride Festival on October 12 at Haggard Park in downtown Plano. Our commitment to inclusion, radical hospitality and social justice and public witness is vital for our ministry. Our participation in offering Peace and Global Witness and many more offerings throughout the year is a way of being salt in our world, to season for peace and justice, to be “rebellious!”
Pastor Dae