You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. In 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.
— Matthew 5:14-16, NRSV Bible with Apocrypha
Who are the people Jesus is talking about? Who are these whose flame is not snuffed out, not hidden, but there for all to see? The ones who followed him to the top of the mountain to hear what he would say. The same ones who are blessed in spite of their status or circumstances:
- the poor in spirit
- those who mourn
- the meek
- those who hunger and thirst for righteousness
- the merciful
- the pure in heart
- the peacemakers
- those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake
- those who are persecuted and reviled for Jesus’ sake
Jesus is all flame; this is what he looks like. When we are all flame, this is what we will look like.
Grace and peace to all of us…
dw
