Light of the World
February 5, 2023
AS WE GATHER
As if the lights are being raised ever-so-gradually in a dark room, the Gospel readings for each Sunday in Epiphany shed a little more light on Jesus and on us. Today, and for the next several Sundays, we hear Jesus’ words in the Sermon on the Mount, and His words reveal Him to us, as well as teach us about ourselves. Today, Jesus tells us that we are the “salt of the earth” and the “light of the world.” Salt seasons and preserves; as followers of Jesus we are called to season the world with the gifts of the Spirit and to preserve the ways of God in an often hostile world. Light shines; as followers of Jesus we are called to let the light of our good works shine to the glory of God. In a time when we are tempted to think that Jesus came to abolish all rules and laws, Jesus reminds us that He did not come to abolish the law, but to fulfill it. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
Bible Readings
OLD TESTAMENT: Isaiah 58:3–9a (True and false fasting)
EPISTLE READING: 1 Corinthians 2:1–12
(Wisdom)
HOLY GOSPEL: Matthew 5:13–20
(Salt and light)