The Blessing of a Union, 8-10-2024

Blessing of a Union
Ed Breyfogle and Jean Smith
Isaiah 40:21-31
Psalm 147:1-12, 21c
1 Corinthians 9:16-23
Matthew 5:13-16

In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.  Amen.

In the gospel reading we just heard, Jesus says to the people, “You are the salt of the earth,” and also, “You are the light of the world.”  There’s been a movement among some Christians who like to talk about how we need to become salt and light in the world.  That it’s time to roll up our sleeves and get out there and make ourselves into salt and light for Jesus.

But that is not what Jesus says.  He doesn’t say “One day, if you try really hard, you might become salt and light.”  He doesn’t even say, “Someday I will make you salt and light.”  No, Jesus says quite plainly, you ARE salt; you ARE light.  It is not an achievement.  It’s not a goal.  It is what you already are.

And on top of that, he’s not just talking to his disciples here.  He’s not preaching to the choir of the already committed.  The text says, “Jesus said to the crowd.”  That means anyone within the sound of his voice.  Everyone who hears the voice of Jesus is declared to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world.  Everyone.

I love that this reading is one of the options for weddings in the Episcopal Church.  Because when we hear about letting our light shine before others—the light that we already are—we can easily make the connection to love.  When two people pledge to be committed to each other for the rest of their lives, as Ed and Jean will do today, their love becomes a light shining for all to see.  The light that they already are is joined together and magnified.  Letting their light shine as they walk out into the world holding hands.

And so I remind you, Jean and Ed, in making this commitment today with the blessing of God’s Church, you are making your light shine even brighter in this world.  And that light is the light of love.  The light that shines in the darkness, and the darkness will not overcome it.  May God bless all your days together, as you continue to let your light shine!

Amen.