By Rev. Andy Fleming, Associate Chaplain

It intrigues me how the meaning of words and phrases I grew up with have changed to mean something completely different or opposite to its original meaning. To understand this is not a modern phenomenon, it is also true of many words throughout history. One such word is ‘salty.’ In modern parlance, being called typically salty describes someone who is upset over little things that go wrong. To describe someone as salty in our modern society flies in the face of what the ancients meant. Throughout most of human history, salt was one of the most precious commodities used in trade, medicinal purposes, and in a range of spiritual and religious rites and ceremonies.

In Matthew 5:13-16, when Jesus calls the listening crowd “the salt of the earth,” he offers insight into something that is meant to be life-giving. Salt enhances, it adds value and preserves. This is what Jesus is instructing his followers to do—to enrich the lives of those around them in the same way salt enriched so many aspects of the ancient world. In this context, I’d suggest being called “salty” would be a good thing.

Our school community participates in the opportunities presented to be ‘the salt’. Events and programs continue to support areas of need while building community. The World’s Greatest Shave, Radford Reaches Out in the Junior School, and the service-learning program's support of the Embracing Ministries Family Easter Picnic, to name but a few opportunities that students and staff are involved in that enrich and enhance the lives of others.

Prayer for the week ahead

Jesus,
When you called us the ‘salt of the earth’
You were inviting us to bring joy and compassion,
Peace and mercy; to love others and enrich their lives.
Strengthen us and help us to sooth and sustain,
To enhance and heal;
So we can be welcoming, grateful and show kindness
In our daily interactions.

Amen.

Go in peace,
Rev. Andy