In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. – Matthew 5:16

In Isaiah 60, the prophet talks about how darkness has hovered the earth because of sin and evil. He talks about how at the rising of the Lord, glory appears on His people and nations come to our light. Jesus re-echoes this stance when He taught on Salt and Light in Matthew 5. He says of us that we, all who believe in Him, have the light of God and must exert influence by doing good. He goes on to liken us to a city on a hill.

“A city built on a Hill cannot be hidden” because it is visible for all to see. Christ set the best example for us while on earth. He healed the sick, helped the poor and took a stand against evil and all those who were against God. He exerted so much influence that the teachers of the law and High Priest saw Him as a threat to their position and influence. Just as Jesus, we must bring glory to God by being impactful on other people and the world.

Today, Christ is calling us to exert that same influence He exerted while on earth. He says to us, “greater things will you do in my name.” To this end, we must strive to extend the light God has embedded in us to others by helping the needy, healing the sick, extending grace to the wayward and showing love to the lonely and depressed. Just like a city on a hill is easily visible, we should live in a way that reflects God’s love and goodness to everyone around us.

May the good Lord help us, may He make us point of references to the glory of His name. Amen.