Crowds are usually motivated by superficial attractions. A good show will bring a starry-eyed following today, but tomorrow those raving fans will find something new to get wild about. Jesus says that this sort of flighty following is not enough. The kingdom requires selfless dedication and constancy. The way of Christ must be placed before all else, even life itself.
Salt is both a seasoning and a preservative.
God s ways are above and beyond human wisdom. This reading relates to the Gospel insofar as the call of Christ is to step out of the limitations of human nature and to share in the reality of God. This psalm recognizes God s dominion over all creation and seeks his powerful protection and help. Read the whole letter, it is very brief. Attempting to mediate between a wealthy Christian and his runaway slave presented a dilemma to Paul which put his preaching to a severe practical test.