Shine The Light Of Jesus

Have you ever held a lit candle in the middle of a darkened room or walked on an open field with a torch light under a moonless night? This experience with light gives us a moment of introspection. It gives us the opportunity to “inspect our own selves” and leads us to a time of personal evaluation. Jesus said: “In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16). The witness of Jesus and the Father encourages everyone to look at themselves and measure up to the standards of the kingdom of God.

Allow me to clarify by way of an explanation. Everyone knows what a lighthouse is and what it does. When seafarers navigate the seas and come to a lighthouse, then they are able to evaluate their location and determine the direction of their vessel. They use various instruments and use the lighthouse as a reference point. The seafarers do not go around talking about the color of the lighthouse, the height of the tower, or some other insignificant things. No. They see the lighthouse and then they evaluate their own location and adjust the navigation of their vessel. The sight of the lighthouse gives them a level of clarity and assurance.

Jesus is our light, our lighthouse, and when we follow him, we “inspect” ourselves and evaluate our lives every of the day. We submit our everyday lives to the witness of Jesus and the Father.

Read our Lectionary Gospel Reading for this week (02/05/2023) in Matthew 5:13-20. Ask yourself the question: Is your light similar to the “righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees?” May you shine the light of Jesus. May this light bring you and your friends, together with your pain, poverty, mourning and persecution, acts of mercy and longing for meekness, straight into the kingdom of God.