A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew

“Just so, your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father.”

Speaking to the disciples, Jesus offers three comparisons of discipleship: salt of the earth, a city set on a mountain, and a light set on a lampstand. Each of these is for the sake of others who see good deeds and because of it give glory to God. In the second reading, Saint Paul says something similar in his letter to the Corinthians: “I came to you in weakness and fear and much trembling, and my message and my proclamation were not with persuasive words of wisdom, but with a demonstration of Spirit and power, so that your faith might rest not on human wisdom but on the power of God.” Just as Jesus taught the disciples to act for the sake of God’s glory, Paul carries this out in his preaching with, as he says, “a demonstration of Spirit and power.”

God, help me understand that as you spoke to the disciples, you also speak to me. When I have opportunities in the very ordinariness of today, help me grasp and carry out your will by being a light to others as a way to give you glory. In the first reading, Isaiah tells us exactly how to care for the oppressed and homeless. “Then,” he says, “your light shall break forth like the dawn.” God, give me the grace and opportunity to be a confident witness in Spirit and power to you and to my faith.

Lord, I want to live in your light and let it shine for others. As in Isaiah, I want to care for the afflicted I encounter today so that when I call you for help I hear you say, “Here I am.” Then, Isaiah says, “light shall rise for you in the darkness, and the gloom shall become for you like midday.” Help me, Lord, see your light and live in it.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Readings

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