SALT OF THE EARTH
A king had three daughters. He wanted to test
their love for him. He called them and asked them, "Tell me how much do you
love me."
The eldest daughter said, "Father, I
love you like jewellery." The
king was very pleased with her as he was very fond of gold and jewels and had a
large collection of exquisite jewellery in his palace. The second daughter
said, "Father, I love you like the best wine!" The king was happy to hear this as he was addicted to
wines and other alcoholic drinks.
Then the youngest daughter replied, "Dear
Father, I love you like salt."
The king became furious on hearing this reply. Angrily, he shouted, "What
do you mean, you mean creature? Salt is a useless, cheap and ordinary object
which you can find even in the poor slums of my kingdom. I know you don't love
me. I don't want to see you again. Go away."
But the youngest daughter met the palace chef
and requested him to avoid salt in all the dishes to be served during the royal
feast on the next day. The old chef had a special affection to the youngest
princess as she was simple, humble and innocent. He agreed to do as she wished.
During the feast, the
king tasted his favourite dishes and cried aloud, "What is this? It has no
taste at all!" He summoned the chef and questioned him. The wise chef
answered, "Oh, Sir, I was afraid to include salt in the royal dishes because
yesterday you declared in the court that salt was a useless and ordinary
article. I avoided it ."
The king learned a
lesson. He realized the importance of salt and asked the youngest daughter to
forgive him for his harsh remarks and rash behaviour. He understood the extent
of her love towards him and embraced her.
Jesus announced the
Beatitudes during the 'Sermon on the Mount'. Following this sermon, He
described the responsibilities of His 'blessed' followers in the words, "You are like salt for all
mankind" {Matthew 5: 13}.
Salt is important and indispensable
for mankind in many different ways.
1. Salt enhances the taste and flavour of food and
makes it pleasant and palatable. Without salt, many foods become insipid. Its
deficiency in food is felt easily.
2.Salt preserves food and prevents putrefaction.
3.Salt dissolves in water and mixes fully with food.
It apparently disappears by dissolution or disintegration. Lumps of salt in
food may cause objectionable taste.
4. It remains as an invisible presence in the
dishes. Other spices like chilly and turmeric give conspicuous colour which
makes their presence visible.
5. Salt had a sacrificial significance in the Old
Testament. As the salt added to offerings is indestructible by fire, salt
represents the eternal covenant with God {Leviticus 2: 13}.
The instruction of
Jesus to His followers to be the 'salt of the earth' implies that they should mingle
freely with others and add flavour to the life of every one to promote peace,
fellowship, joy and harmony in society by their silent and sincere service.
They should live in close communion with God and men. By their humble and
unpretentious actions they have a major role in preserving the integrity, values
and moral principles of society. They should be deeply concerned with the well-being
of all and serve as the 'salt of society'. When Christians and the leaders of
the Church turn towards wealth and worldliness, they become inert pillars of
salt like Lot's wife {Genesis 19: 26}.
.................................................................................................................
© By: Dr. Babu Philip,
Professor, Cochin University of Science & Technology, Fine Arts Avenue,
Kochi-682016, Kerala, India, Prof.
Mrs. Rajamma Babu, Former Professor, St. Dominic's
College, Kanjirappally, Leo. S. John, St. Antony's Public School, Anakkal, Kanjirappally and Neil John, Maniparambil, Ooriyakunnath, Kunnumbhagom, Kanjirappally,
Kottayam-686507, Kerala, India.
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