Scripture Study for

Today’s passage from Isaiah maps out the kind of behavior required if one is  to enjoy the blessing of the covenant. It proclaims ethical mandates, not religious practices. Communion with God is dependent upon the fulfillment of social responsibility. The blessing that follows such a life is frequently described as  some form of light. Light can be a symbol of deliverance, of prosperity, of truth,  or of God’s favor. It is associated with life and all of the good things that come  with it. Because its meaning here is not explicitly stated, the reference to life can  include all of the richness of the symbol. 

Paul reminds the Corinthians of their lowly status in society. This lowliness  enabled the power and glory of God to shine forth unimpeded through them.  He applies this to his own manner of ministry. He insists that there is nothing  extraordinary about him, but that will not hamper the spread of the gospel. Quite  the contrary; Paul’s ministerial approach was humble and unassuming because  he did not want his manner of delivery to get in the way of the dynamism of the  gospel. He wanted the faith of the community to be grounded in God and not in  the cleverness of a preacher.  

Jesus employs two metaphors to characterize the essence of discipleship.  First, salt is both essential for life itself and valuable for preserving, seasoning,  and purifying food. Its value is in its effect on something else. Applied to disciples, they too are valuable to the extent that they influence others. Second, the  disciples are a light that shines forth in the darkness of ignorance or faithlessness,  like a city on a mountain or a lamp on a stand in a house. They enlighten others  not by words but by their manner of living, a manner of living that declares to the  world that the reign of God has indeed been established in their midst, and the  age of fulfillment has dawned.