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Light of the World

“You are the light of the world…let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.”
Matthew 5:13-16

Many of us have heard these words before, but what we may not know is that they come from one of Jesus’ most famous sermons, the Sermon on the Mount, which summarizes Jesus’ teachings on how He wants those who follow Him to live in this world.

I don’t know about you, but every time I hear the Sermon on the Mount, thoughts of unworthiness and inadequacy stir up within me. How in the world am I supposed to do this, especially when it seems everything around me is tempting me to do the exact opposite?

Yet, Jesus’ words are not so much a set of rules and guidelines for us to follow as they are a commissioning. Jesus doesn’t say, “If you want to become light, first you need to do something—first you need to meet a specific requirement.” Or, “Before I will call you light, I need to see your credentials and resumes.” Instead, He simply says, “You are the light of the world right now.” In other words, this passage is an affirmation of who we already are and a commissioning to take God’s light into the world.

The basic truth about light is that it only takes a single spark to create a flame that eventually defeats the darkness. In other words, we don’t have to provide everything that is needed. In fact, we can’t, and that is not our job—that’s God’s job. Instead, what Jesus asks of us is simply to offer what we have with as much love, kindness and courage as we can.

Today, in a dark world where so many people are confused, lost or looking for more meaning in their lives—with God’s grace—may we hold our light high and allow God to do the rest. After all, we never know who may be out there in the dark hoping, praying and looking for just a little bit of light.
The Rev. Dr. Chad T. Martin
Vicar
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