Fifth Sunday in Lent - Taste

“Salt is good; but if salt has lost its taste, how can its saltiness be restored? It is fit neither for the soil nor for the manure pile; they throw it away. Let anyone with ears to hear listen!” Luke 14:34-35

I will admit - when I see Jesus say “Salt is good,” I’m tempted to go all Jesus said it, I believe it, that settles it with this scripture, needlepoint that phrase onto a canvas, hang it in my kitchen, and salt everything and anything to my heart’s desire. Of course, Jesus isn’t only talking about actual salt here. Immediately before this passage, Jesus is sharing about the cost of discipleship and how following him is not something that should be entered into lightly. The thrust of the passage is about the loyalty and commitment needed from the disciples if they are to follow Jesus. What good is their commitment, their intentions, their purpose, if they waver and only do it half way? And what good is salt if it loses the thing that makes it both powerful at preserving and adding flavor? (Not a whole lot of good, seems to be the response here.)

But let’s not get too focused on the cost of discipleship. While Jesus is making a larger point about discipleship, he’s doing so by connecting it with something relevant to the people – the value that salt adds to the taste experience. And don’t try and tell me that Jesus, fresh off of eating with a bunch of folks and sharing parables about eating and banquets, isn’t also grateful for salt bringing out wonderful flavor in meals. Afterall, this is the same Jesus who turned water into wine that was of such high quality, folks noticed and wondered why the good wine was saved until late into the night. This Jesus knows something about taste.

And so here’s a reminder of the blessing and power of the incarnation, of God joining us on earth and taking human form, a human form that eats and tastes. Eating is one thing, but if you’ve ever had a cold or lost your ability to taste, you know that foods just don’t have the same joy about them when that happens. Perhaps you can still get the nutrients and fuel from the meal, but there’s something missing from the experience. It’s an experience that is, at its best, about more than just keeping us alive. It’s about connecting with the food, the land, the farmer, the people around your table, the whole of creation. Eat Taste and see that the Lord is good. (Psalm 34:8)

Invitation: Season your food with intention this week. When you can, cut out other distractions from mealtimes and focus on the food you’re eating or what you’re drinking. Simply notice how it tastes, and give thanks (or consider adding some more salt).

Prayer: Generous God, from whom all good things come, help me to taste and see the goodness of the foods around me. In doing so, may I somehow taste and see your goodness, God. Amen.