The Light of the World

Scripture: Matthew 5: 13-16

“You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”

Reaction: I don’t know why I was drawn to this reading today, especially since it’s such a familiar one. One thing I love about praying with the scriptures is that I’m becoming familiar with so many Biblical treasures, not just the readings I hear at Sunday Mass. But I turned to this passage and decided to contemplate on it, thinking that it might have new meaning for me. And indeed it did.

The image I had today was one of being drawn to Christ’s light. After all, Jesus tells us in John 8:12 that He is the light of the world ("I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.") As I was called to Christ’s light, I began to absorb the radiance of His love, His wisdom, and His goodness. Soon I was aglow with His gifts and His grace. So even though Christ tells me that I am the light of the world, I am not the source of the light, but rather an object to reflect the brilliance of God’s power and love. It is my sincere hope to always keep God before me so that I can take in all of His powerful light, using it to shine before others and to glorify the Father.