“For I say to you, that unless your righteousness exceeds the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.” (Mt 5:20)

In order to enter the kingdom of heaven, a person must be more righteous than the scribes and Pharisees. This is the spiritual higher ground revealed in the Sermon on the Mount. In this discourse, the Lord sets a higher moral standard that rises above people’s common expectation. The emphasis is on loving God and men from the heart rather than a superficial observance.

“You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men.”
(Mt 5:13)

Salt is valued as a preservative and for seasoning food. Just as salt seasons and preserves, we are to bring God’s goodness to the world and preserve against moral decay in our environment.

Salt adds flavor. We live on the earth to give greater meaning and flavor to those around us. If we have the desire to help others, then we are like flavorful salt. If we are indifferent to others, then we are as if salt were to lose its flavor. When we attract others with goodness and kindness, we are the salt.