Scripture Reading:
Matthew 5:14-16
“A lamp . . . gives light to everyone in the house. . . . Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
Matthew 5:15-16
Jesus is light.
The book of John introduces Jesus this way: “In him was life, and that life was the light of all people” (John 1:4). Later Jesus described himself with similar words: “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” (John 8:12).
Jesus also said, “You are the light of the world”—and he was talking about all who follow him. This does not mean we are the light source as Jesus is; but in this way Jesus challenged his followers to reflect his light. When Jesus lives in our hearts and guides our actions, people around us see his light reflected in us.
When our family lived in New Mexico, we saw many Navajo hooghans—one-room dwellings with one lamp for the entire house. This setting, unlike other homes with many rooms, helps us understand Jesus’ teaching about a lamp that “gives light to everyone in the house.”
A dear colleague shared about a special moment he had with his mother just before he was ordained as a minister. She said she was proud of him and prayed that he would have a successful ministry. “But always remember,” she said, “the person you really are is the person you are at home.”
May Jesus shine brightly through you—especially at home.
Light of the world, light up our lives. Make us shine brightly with your loving, forgiving, healing presence. In your name, Amen. (AM)
