Readings: 2 Corinthians 1:18-22 and Matthew 5:13-16
“You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hidden.” (Matthew 5:14)
In today’s Gospel passage, Jesus addresses us as “the salt of the earth and the light of the world.” In other words, we exist to make the world a better place by bringing light and sweetness to it. This is our mission; this is our purpose. Failure to live up to this task means we are worthless, like dead bulbs, burnt-out candles, lamps without oil, and tasteless salt to be trampled underfoot.
Let us ask ourselves: “Does my presence in my family, community, workplace, society or group, etc., make life sweeter for others? Do I preserve moral values? Am I a shining example of what Christ stands for? Have I been a source of joy (sweetness) for others around me? Can I say I have positively influenced others to love God and keep His commandments?”
Today, many have lost their “taste” as salt and their “brightness” as a light. We claim to be Christians, but we make life difficult for others. We are a source of scandal to those who look up to us as role models. We have given bad examples and corrupted the minds of the young. Never assume that it is okay to do evil since no one is looking. Jesus describes us as cities built on a hill, meaning there can be no hiding place for us, even in the most secret places. What we do in the cover of darkness comes out openly to bring us to our knees. “For there is nothing hidden, except to be disclosed; nor is anything secret, except to come to light.” (Mark 4:22).
According to Marianne Williamson, “Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, ‘Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?’ Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world.
“There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to manifest the glory of God within us. It’s not just in some of us; it’s in everyone. And as we let our light shine, we unconsciously permit other people to do the same. Our presence automatically liberates others as we are liberated from our fear.”
Have you sometimes caught yourself asking: “Why must I do the right thing? After all, everyone else is doing evil.” Consider the salt needed to make a whole pot of soup sweet. You don’t have to let go of your sweetness because there are not many people like you. Who knows if you are the reason God has not yet destroyed your city? In Genesis 18:32, Abraham negotiated with God over the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah: “Oh, do not let the Lord be angry if I speak just once more. Suppose ten are found there.” He answered, “For the sake of ten, I will not destroy it.”
As St. Paul teaches us in today’s First Reading, you will let your light shine by avoiding double standards. Do not try to be on both sides. Do not be a “Yes” or “No” person. Stop trying to serve two masters. Don’t be a “saint” in public only to become a “demon” in private. Don’t be a preacher of justice and fairness only to deny your employees their wages. Don’t condemn corrupt politicians only to accept your share of their loot joyfully. Don’t say “yes” to God’s blessings only to turn around and say “no” to his commandments.
Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, free us from hypocrisy. Grant that we may be salt and light to the world. We ask this through Our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever. Amen.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. May God’s abundant blessings be upon us all. (Tuesday of week 10 in Ordinary Time. Liturgical Colour: Green. Bible Study: 2 Corinthians 1:18-22 and Matthew 5:13-16.)
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu