By Chandra Crane

Salt and Light: A Responsive Reading

Based on Matthew 5, Revelation 7, and a resource from St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, Washington, DC.

Leader: It was a dull, tasteless thing —
People: this life, before salt.

Leader: It was a dark, meaningless thing —
People: this life, before light.

Leader: Then he came — we thought — to do many things;
People: to our surprise, he called us, saying:
          “You are the salt of the earth and the light of the world.”

Leader: So he has called us: To be salt in this earth;
People: to season and preserve all life with love.

Leader: So he has called us: To be light in this world;
People: to dispel the darkness of hate and injustice.

Leader: So he has called us, from every nation, culture, and language —
People: all purified by Jesus to be salt of every kind.

Leader: Some of us are sea salt, some rock salt, some finely ground —
People: all purified by Jesus, and all beloved as we are.

Leader: So he has called us, from every nation, culture, and language —
People: all gifted by the Holy Spirit, to be light of every kind.

Leader: Some of us are daylight, some candlelight, some flickering fire —
People: all gifted by the Holy Spirit, and all beloved as we are.

Leader: He is come — through us — to do many things;
People: To our joy, he has called us, saying:
           “Let your light shine before others.”

Leader: It is a bright, joyful sunrise —
People: his kingdom, coming with light.

Leader: It is a rich, welcoming banquet —
People: his feast, seasoned with salt.

Leader: So he has called us, from every nation, culture, and language —
People: all beloved of the Father, and in him we are alive.

Leader: So he has called us, from every nation, culture, and language;
People: May the peoples see our good works, and give glory to God.

Chandra would like to thank Anthony & Felicia Forrest and Kennan Crane for their inspiration and help with this piece.

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About the Author

Chandra Crane (BS Education, MA Ministry) is a Multiethnic Initiatives Resource Specialist with InterVarsity Christian Fellowship and a member of the multiethnic Redeemer Church in Jackson, Mississippi. Growing up in a multiethnic/multicultural family in the Southwest and now happily transplanted to the Deep South, Chandra is passionate about diversity and family.

She is a Regular Contributor for Dordt University’s In All Things and has written for The Witness: A Black Christian Collective and InterVarsity’s The Well. Chandra is the author of Mixed Blessing: Embracing the Fullness of Your Multiethnic Identity from InterVarsity Press.

She is married to Kennan, a civil engineer, and they have two spunky daughters. Chandra is a fan of hot tea, crossword puzzles, Converse shoes, and science fiction. She thoroughly enjoys reading, napping, and defying stereotypes.

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