Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time – Cycle A
Reflecting on Matthew 5: 13-16
I am surrounded by light. I can’t even remember what darkness looks like. Every time I pick up a bulletin, every time I have a conversation with a friend, well, I am almost blinded by light.
Have you noticed that Jesus didn’t say, “Do good works and you will be the light of the world”? He said, “You ARE the light of the world.” YOU, right now, are a little lantern walking around in your home, your job, the soccer field, your parish. And every time you share your bread with the hungry this huge burst of light pours out of your lantern and warms everyone around you.
YOU are the city set on the hill. You know that enchanting, light-filled house you can see from the highway and want to drive over and see it up close? That’s YOU. And every time you shelter the oppressed and the homeless your house becomes even more inviting, more alluring than the brightest star, and immigrants and refugees take courage as they make their way towards it.
YOU are the salt of the earth. You know that gracious, open-hearted, open-handed person who removes oppression, false accusation and malicious speech? That’s YOU. And every time you stop gossip in its tracks and end conversation that is hurtful of others, YOWZER! A gigantic salt-shaker makes everything around you delicious. Bring on the margaritas and chips.
Want to make your city on the hill even more visible? Check out www.oxfam.org. Want to give out more light than a supernova? Go to www.covivo.org . Let the Vincentian charisms wash over you, and then step back.
Break forth, oh beauteous heavenly light.
Who are there people in your life who radiate light?