The Way and the Light

-"You are the light of the world.  A city built on a hill cannot be hid.  No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on a lampstand, 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: 14-16

In these words from Jesus' sermon on the mount, we hear a message for the Church itself.  It is regrettable that so much of the Christian faith has become personalized, and that we have forgotten many of Jesus' commands deal with the community of faith itself, rather than individual members.  This is a perfect example of one such command.  This passage reminds us that we, the Church of Jesus Christ, have an obligation to be visible.  Jesus is not talking about improving our signage or buying ads in the newspaper, but instead is talking about the substance of our work and worship.  What we do and what we believe should be evident to all.  We have been called to follow Jesus, not just to enrich ourselves, but to benefit the entire world.  What difference does it make if our faith is strengthened if we don't tell others about it?  What does it matter if we feel God's forgiveness if we forgive no one?  Who cares if we have the best worship services in the world if they make no impact on our community?  This is the heart of Jesus' commandment.

We have been given so much.  We have a community of believers who will help us in our relationship with God.  We have resources far greater than we could have imagined.  We have the presence of the Holy Spirit.  And we have been given all these things that we might make the person of Jesus Christ known in this world and might make the hope found within him evident to all people!  We should take these things and show them to the world and let them know that we, the humble followers of Jesus Christ, are here in this place to serve others and to worship God.  We are a people of faith, we should never hide it.

Prayer:  Holy God, help me to share my faith with others and to be a part of a church that shares the work of Jesus Christ with the world.  Let our light shine in this community and beyond that all may know that Jesus Christ is at work in this world.  I pray in his name, Amen.