You Are The Light Of The World Shining For God

05-02-2017 Homily for the fifth Sunday of the Year (A)

Scriptural Reading: 1. Is. 58:7-10

                                   Ps. 112:4-5.6-7.8a.9 (R. 4a).

                                   2. 1 Cor. 2:1-5; Accl., Jn. 8:12.

                                   3. Gospel Mt. 5:13-16.

Theme: You are the light of the world-Shinning for God.

Today’s gospel passage reveals to us one of the most outstanding compliments of Jesus to Christian believers. He says “you are the light of the world.” He didn’t describe himself here as he did in John 8:12-“I am the light of the world.” Rather he says the believer is the light of the world. God is light, Christ is light, and the believer is said to be “the light of the world.” The believer is what God and Christ are: light. To be identified with God is an enormous responsibility as well as a compliment. Whatever light is and does, the believer is to be and do-he is called to shine because he is character is that of light.

To be light means that the disciple is to undergo a radical transformation: he is to become like Christ more and more and to reflect the light of Christ.

Light has got several properties:

1. Light is clear and pure. It is clean, that is, good, right, true.
2. Light penetrates. By nature it cuts through and eliminates darkness. 1Thess. 5:5 “you are all sons of the light and sons of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness.”
3. Light enlightens. It enlarges a person’s vision and knowledge of an area. John 12:35 “then Jesus told them, you are going to have the light just a little while longer. Walk while you have the light, before darkness overtakes you. The man who walks in the dark does not know where he is going.”
4. Light reveals. It opens up the truth of an area, a whole new world, and it clears up the way to the truth and the life.
5. Light guides. It directs the way to go, leads along the right path. John 12:46 “I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness.”
6. Light strips away the darkness.
7. Light routs the chaos
8. Light warns. It warns of dangers that lie ahead in a person’s path.
9. Light protects. It protects a person from the dangers of darkness, from stumbling, falling, and injuring himself.

If these are the qualities of light, then the believer is to function as that light-to shine in the world before men and women. The believer can never shine if he or she is still enjoying a life of sin-wallowing and eating sin. He or she will become rusty, unproductive; become a carrier of darkness and sadness and misery. What the believer needs is to be transformed-such transformation must be deliberate, a choice, a decision and readiness to shine before men and women.

The place to shine is the world-that is, in church, home, office, school, business environment, neighbourhood, in the bus, on the street, in the market, cinema, mall, supermarket, your inner closet, when relating to men and women, while transacting that business, while signing that cheque, while in that relationship, marriage, studio, and so many.  This is because our world today is filled with so much that makes life very difficult.

To shine is a decision. It is recognizing that you have the light within you. It is a readiness to share the light. It requires protecting that light from been stolen or covered by evil men and women whose sole ambition is to cover that light from shinning. That light must be seen in good works so that by this, it will bring glorification to God.

John 15:8 says this is to my father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.

• Light has one purpose and that is to shine before men. Light is not seen unless it is placed before men. To be a light does not mean secluding yourself from others but as you relate to them, you shine.
• The only ones that need light are those who live in darkness. You are called to be a carrier of light so you must go and shine so that those who are living in darkness can experience light.
• Been a light carrier and making your light to shine will cause men to glorify God and not to curse God.

If you understand that you are a light carrier and that your light must shine before men and women, you will not be careless with your life remembering what 1 Cor. 6:20 says “you were bought at a price. Therefore honour God with your body.” It means again what 1 Peter 4:11 says “if anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen.”

The sunshine that brightens our lives and gives warmth to other people is a gift of God, but it is also an art which we learn by sharing. It is the art of those who are animated by the virtues of goodness, love and enthusiasm. They feel right about other people and are able to consider the interests of others.

Sunshine is not a private affair but a social one. It is found in the esteem ad friendship. Like the moon which shines by reflected light, sunshine is found in the response and affection of others.

Sunshine means having the attitude of openness which holds true across all the human boundaries: from learning about love to learning about the depth of the sea, to learning the distance of the stars. The happy people expect to like and trust others, and take it for granted that others will like and trust them. They respect the many difference they find in people. They do not push people around, nor do they allow themselves to be pushed around. They can feel they are part of a group. They feel a sense of responsibility to their neighbours. The happy husband and wife have personal relationships that are satisfying and lasting. They experience their most enjoyable, recreational moments with each other. One characteristic to look for in marriage partner is the ability to laugh-especially the ability to laugh at yourself.

To shine is a call to be a good mixer, that is, be at ease with others and smile at them. it is the secret of happiness and success. A little girl was asked, “when is one old? When one has grey hairs?”

“oh, no!” she answered. “My granny has grey hairs, but she is not old. She never tries to play with me.”

One is old when one has wrinkles?

Not at all! My grand-dad has wrinkles, but he is not old. His face is as bright as the sun.

When one is on wheel-chair?

It is not true! My younger brother does not walk. I take him out in a stroller, but he is not old.

Is your mother old?

Oh no! My mother is grand but not old.

But, my girl, do you know someone who is old, very old?

Yes, Mrs Mary. She is old. She is beautiful and dresses well, but she never smiles or laughs. She is gloomy all day.

Prayer: lord teach us to be cheerful always, teach and help us to be the true light to men and women of our world so that your glory may reign, we ask this through Christ our lord. Amen.