You Are the Light of the World

Some time ago, I heard a story about a man named Toyohiko Kagawa. He was a Japanese social worker who lived before and during the Second World War. Kagawa also happened to be a devout Christian whose faith led him to make an extraordinary impact on the working conditions of ordinary citizens in Japan. He was so well thought of, that he was sent on a peace mission to the United States before the beginning of the Second World War. Even though he failed in this effort, he gained international renown for his witness and selfless work.

Years later Kagawa was on a lecture tour to the United States. Two college students were walking across their campus after hearing him speak. One of them confessed that he was disappointed in Kagawa’s simple message. After some reflection, the other student replied: “I suppose it really doesn’t matter very much what a man says when he has lived as that man has lived.”

Isn’t it true that our actions say volumes about our beliefs?  

You may have heard the expression, “What you are doing speaks so loudly that I can’t hear what you are saying.”

In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus said to his followers, “You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hidden. No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lamp stand, 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.”

May it be so.

Let us pray: I pray today, O God, for your healing, redeeming Spirit to fill and empower each of our lives. Make us whole. And even as we are being made whole again, use us as instruments of your grace, mercy, and peace, in Jesus’ name. Amen.