“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hid. Nor do men light a lamp and put it under a bushel, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”
Matthew 5:14-16
In Matthew 5:14, as part of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said to His disciples, “You are the light of the world.” In John 8:12 and John 9:5, Jesus would say “I am the light of the world.” In these verses, He would reveal that “light” is the common characteristic we share with Him. He is the light of the world, and we are as well.
The purpose of light is to overcome darkness. So, when turns on a light, he does not cover it, because the purpose of the light is to illuminate an area. Jesus continues in Matthew 5:14-15, saying “A city set on a hill cannot be hid. Nor do men light a lamp and put it under a bushel, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house.” Jesus compares the “light”, His and ours, to a city on a hill. A city built on a hill cannot be hidden. Jesus wants us to build our “city,” meaning His Church, on a hill, so that it is seen by all. We are not just talking the physical church building, but the work of the Church. He wants His love, manifested by our love, to be seen by all. He wants it to illuminate the world. He does not want it covered over and makes the philosophical statement that no one puts on a light with the purpose of no one seeing, but rather so that everyone can see better.
Jesus then says in Matthew 5:16, that we are to “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” Our good works should point to the glory of God, not the glory of self, or any other kind of glory.
In Matthew 24:10-12, (and throughout the whole chapter of Matthew 24), Jesus teaches about the end of the world and how people will try to destroy the Gospel and destroy love. He says “And then many will fall away, and betray one another, and hate one another. And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray. And because wickedness is multiplied, most men’s love will grow cold.” This is the opposite of love. I’m not one to prognosticate on when the world will end, but it certainly seems as though these prophecies are coming true in modern times. There is a lot of betrayal in the world, as well as hatred. (and there probably has been in many ages of history) Many have fallen away from the Gospel, from the Church, from love. There are lots of false teachings, even about Christ, which is one of the reasons people are feeling called to Orthodoxy as never before. They are seeking the truth, and are finding it in our Church. “And because wickedness is multiplied,” there is a coldness when it comes to love. Many are not experiencing or expressing love in the way that God intended.
If we are going to live out our calling to be lights in the world, we will do that by showing love. Here are some specific ways we can be lights in the world, some specific ways we can serve others:
At school and at work—sitting with the person who is eating lunch alone. Refusing to participate in gossip or cyberbullying, standing up for others, being an encourager, giving positive reinforcement. If you have to correct someone, do it gently.
At home—Doing work around the house without being asked (this is a way children can relieve stress on parents and a way spouses can relieve stress on each other). Patiently listen instead of snapping at someone. Criticism or correction should be offered with kindness. Be intentional about spending quality time together.
In the community—Volunteering at a local food pantry, assembling care packages for the homeless, helping a neighbor in the yard, and supporting charities with financial contributions.
Then there is service in the Church. The parish isn’t just a building; it is a spiritual hospital where we all serve. Here are some ways to serve:
Be part of the Sunday program—Serve as an usher or a greeter, sing in the choir, help set up or clean up coffee hour, help older parishioners to their cars, welcome new people and make sure no one is sitting alone at coffee hour. What happens at the church on Sunday sets the tone for the rest of the week.
Take part in a ministry—Some ministries are set up to directly benefit the participants. Go to Bible study or catechism. Most ministries help spread the Gospel or maintain the church community. Teach Sunday school, serve on the Parish Council, join Philoptochos, be a youth advisor, help maintain the buildings and grounds, take pictures (that can be posted on the website), help out with technology.
Make a financial contribution that reflects generosity, is sacrificial, and is given with joy.
No one knows when the end of time will be, or when the end of any life will come. We shouldn’t live in fear of it, but we shouldn’t be complacent about it either. Love is growing cold, because it’s become all about me, and not about the others. Life is all about the self—my truth, my needs. We are forgetting the needs of others, and the truth of Christ. Christ calls us to be lights in the world. And to let our lights shine before others. We shine our light based on love—love of God, service to neighbor.
Christ, the true Light, Who enlightens and sanctifies every person who comes into the world, let the light of Your countenance shine on me, that I may behold Your ineffable light. Direct my steps in the way of Your commandments. Through the intercessions of the Holy Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary and of all Your Saints. Amen. (Adapted from the Prayer of the First Hour)
In what ways can you be a better servant, and be a brighter light in the world? At work? At home? In your church community?
