Posted by The WORD in other words (2006) by Father Gerry Donato SVD – Christ the King Seminary, Quezon City
Tuesday 10th Week in Ordinary Time
A story is told about a young man who was seen stopping at one corner of the street every morning, pulling out a mirror from his pocket and reflecting the sun into a window of an apartment high up in a tall building. Somebody asked him why he was doing that every morning. He replied: “You see in that room over there, where I am trying to reflect the rays of the sun, there is my little brother sick and bedridden. Unfortunately, the direct rays of the sun never enter his room. This is the only way I can bring a bit of sunshine into his life.”
Being a Christian in the world is about being a witness to Christ. It is about letting His love shine through us to everyone we meet, so that by seeing us, people get a glimpse of Christ. Christianity is not something we practice privately. It is a vision meant to change the world.
Jesus used the images of salt and light to make His point clear (cf. Matthew 5:13–16). Salt is essential in our diet — a purifier, seasoning, and preservative. But Jesus emphasized its distinctive taste. Christians, by their Gospel-centered lives, are to give a distinctive “flavor” to society.
“You are the light of the world…” Jesus emphasized the need for our faith to be visible. We should not cover our light but must stand to provide light to others. Otherwise, what is the point of being members of a Christian community if we remain invisible?
As a starting point, it is good to share a little light of generosity with someone in need; a little light of kind words to somebody discouraged or failing; a little light of patience and forgiveness toward one who hurts us; and a little light of listening to hear the needs of others in our community.
Jesus did not say “you should be” but rather “YOU ARE.” Around us, many live “tasteless” and “darkened” lives. Today, we pause and reflect: what, where, and how can I provide light to my community and to the lives of others?
