2-8-26 "You are the light of the world"

This weekend we continue with Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount.  In these words, he focuses on light (i.e., illuminating) and salt (i.e., flavoring).                                                                                                        “In the early nineteenth century, long before photography was common, an inventor discovered a way to capture light on a surface, (i.e., film) and preserve what that light revealed. For the first time, light could leave an image that could be seen again and again. What began as a simple attempt to record what the eye already perceived became the foundation for something far larger. Over time, that same basic insight—light exposing material objects—expanded into modern, medical imaging, and eventually photolithography, the process that allows microscopic patterns of light to be etched on silicon wafers used in computer chips. Without that process, there are no computers. No smartphones. No satellites. No artificial intelligence. Nearly every modern technology we rely on exists because light does not merely illuminate—it forms. It leaves its mark. It shapes what is possible. “1                                            Our readings this weekend, especially the first and the gospel speak much about light and how our inner light, that which guides our day- to- day actions, can leave an impact, an image, upon the life of others.  As I already indicated, our gospel reading this Sunday is a continuation of his Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount.  He continues to address those who have chosen to follow him up on the mountain, both those who are curious and those Jesus has chosen to become his disciples.  All wait to hear what words he will say.  Are we in that crowd as followers of Jesus or are we only there because we are curious onlookers?  Do we wait in quiet contemplation to hear what Jesus has to say to us?  Or are our minds crowded with many other voices or concerns?                                                                                                                    Jesus states that his followers are or can be the light of the world, the salt to enrich the flavor of life.  But the choice, as always, is ours.  Perhaps, we do not often think of ourselves in those terms.                  It is from the first reading this weekend, from Isaiah’ words, that we understand in some respect how we are or can begin to be light, or salt for others.  As he says to us: “Thus says the Lord: Share your bread with the hungry, shelter the oppressed and the homeless; clothe the naked when you see them, and do not turn your back on your own.  Then your light shall break forth like the dawn.”                                    As we look at these words they invite us to look around us, to look around in the world where we live, and to see if there is any darkness there.  Are you in a hospital or a nursing home, recovering from surgery perhaps, look around you is there anyone you see who looks like they are “in the dark?”  Are they in the darkness of despair, the darkness of pain, the darkness of loneliness?  Can you reach out to them and just be a “light” of acknowledgement for them.  Your light of acknowledgement is not to cure them but to let them know that they are seen, they are important to someone.  Are you a prisoner in jail?  You too are called as a follower of Jesus to be light in the darkness.  Is there a new inmate who looks bewildered, estranged, frightened?  Upon the darkness of their spirit, is Jesus calling you, to imprint the light of hope in a place where perhaps there is much lack of such.  Whether you work on a factory floor or in an office, or in the administration of a company look around you, is there anyone, anywhere, that you are being called to spread the light of hope, concern, friendship, attention to others?  Do Isaiah words have meaning for you?  If you work with young people as a teacher or a coach, how can you be a light, a light of wisdom, concern, or caring for the youth who look to you.  How can your attention add seasoning to their young lives to let them know they are seen, they are important, they are capable?  If you are a politician or in a government position, there are many voices that seek your attention and influence.  In such situations, you too are called to be an influencer, (i.e., a light in darkness,), a light for those who need to be fed for those who suffer oppression, and whose voices and presence are often ignored by those in power.  How are you called to be a light that shines on those forgotten ones who are still, as Isaiah said, “your own.”                                                                            As a follower of Christ, this light that Jesus speaks of, is not about shedding light upon us, but rather being a light that shines in the darkness so that others can see what needs to be seen, what needs to be attended to or helped.  God as it were through us, as followers of Christ, is calling attention to what needs there are that are often forgotten or not even addressed (i.e., hunger, lack of housing, oppression, lack of freedom, etc.).                                                                                                                                    To understand where and when we are being called to be light in the darkness, we need to be first people of prayer and contemplation.  We need to be sacramental people, a people dedicated to all that which is sacred.  To be such, we need to be a people ready to listen to what God is placing upon our hearts and minds.  When we choose to do such, then we will be open to God’s light and influence, and we become the lampstand upon which God’s love shines out to others.  

If you bestow your bread on the hungry and satisfy the afflicted; then light shall rise for you in the darkness, and the gloom shall become for you like midday. (Isaiah 58:10)

1. Sundaysermons.com, Fifth Sunday of Ordinary Time, A