Being the Light
We may not believe our flaws are obvious to others. We may think we are good at keeping them hidden. But we may be deceiving ourselves.
‘Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. You are the salt of the earth; but if salt has lost its taste, how can its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything, but is thrown out and trampled under foot. You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hidden. No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lamp stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.' - Matthew 5:11-16
In today's Gospel reading, Jesus continues his Sermon on the Mount, transitioning from the beatitudes to talking about being reviled and persecuted for following Him.
He warns us that all we do is obvious in the world. We cannot hide who we are, because people will see what we do and know we are believers.
That could make us a target, so we must be prepared for that.
We don't take up the cross in secret.
Even now, when we are isolated and alone in our homes, our presence in the world is still felt, through the contacts we make online, the calls we make with loved ones we care about, the work we do behind the scenes.
Jesus tells us that once we light our lamps, they have to be out in the open. They cannot be hidden, for the light is meant to be seen, to shine and illuminate the way.
If we try to convince others to do good, but we refuse to be an example for them, why would they choose to do what we say?
But if we show them what we do, perhaps they will want to join us.
That's what shining the light is all about. Be the light and show the way.
More to come...