Matthew 5:13-20 (NRSV)
Read Matthew 5:13-20 on biblegateway.com
Verse 13"You are the salt of the earth; but if salt has lost its taste, how can its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything, but is thrown out and trampled under foot. Verse 14"You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. Verse 15No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. Verse 16In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.
Verse 17"Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets; I have come not to abolish but to fulfill. Verse 18For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth pass away, not one letter, not one stroke of a letter, will pass from the law until all is accomplished. Verse 19Therefore, whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches others to do the same, will be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. Verse 20For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.
Devotion
Here’s a paradox: Christ, who is the Light of the world, calls us to be light in the world. That is reflected light, of course, like the moon reflects the light of the sun. So, shine we should, for the world is a dark place and needs to be made gospel light. Having heard the Word, having been forgiven, having been energized by Word and Sacraments, all we have to do is shine!
Prayer
Shine in our hearts, Lord Jesus, so that we may bear your light to the world. May those who have eyes to see come to discern that you are the Light that shines and blazes and enlivens all that is dead. Amen.