For the Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time…
You are the light of the world.
Matthew 5:14
Christians know Who the Light of the World is: Jesus. (See John 8: 12.) And Jesus knows that, too, but this is something he is calling us to be as well. The question is: Do we know that? I mean, do we really know that, down in our bones? Or have we forgotten? Or have we neglected it or traded it for some other activity?
Sometimes, amidst the busyness of life’s responsibilities we don’t take our true calling seriously enough, the one that began with our Baptism.
Last summer, I watched the deacon hand parents and godparents a tiny candle lit from the towering paschal candle at the Baptism of my seventh grandchild. Every Baptism is a reminder of our own. That little flame represents the hope of the Church, the same hope that was held aloft at our baptism: You are the light of the world (Matthew 5:14).
The Light offered us His Light. It’s a special equipment package illumining our way. The mission of the baptized—you and me—is to bring that Light of Christ to others through word and witness. It is the path we are to walk, every day, with Jesus.
And we are also called to walk with each other, unafraid of the darkness and shadows of sin and death because Christ’s Light defeated them. Thanks to Jesus we are walking with him toward the glory of heaven!
Heavenly Father, help me be like the moon and reflect the Son!
