“You are the light of the world.”
-Matthew 5:14a

Often we say, and should say, that Jesus is the light of the world. But do you know what Jesus said? He was on a mountaintop with 5,000 people, most of them considered sinners or non-religious outsiders. Many were sick, poor, or very old. Many struggled just to get to that hill to see Jesus because they wanted to get a word from God and they wanted to be healed.

And Jesus looked right at them and he said these unforgettable words: “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.”

And then he said, “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

Be the salt. Be the light. Glorify your Father in heaven.

Prayer: Dear Lord, may I be your light and salt in this world, your representative of all that is good and hopeful. Amen.

Reflection: How do you represent and glorify God to the people you meet?