Matthew 5:13-16
Lead in: How do we make God real? In Matthew 5:13-16, Jesus tells us. Be salt seasoning that brings out the flavors of God’s goodness in the world.
Prompt: Name three people who have made God real to you by being a seasoning of goodness that has helped you taste the goodness of God.
Lead in: In Matthew 5:14 Jesus says, “You are the light of the world. A city set on a mountain cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and then put it under a bushel basket.” I’ve heard it said, “Your playing it small does not serve you or the world.” In other words, in the name of being humble, don’t hold back. “Let your light shine for all to see.”
Prompt: Where is it that you are playing it safe, hiding your light under a bushel basket for fear that what you have to offer won’t be good enough?
Lead in: At times, we may find ourselves thinking that we have nothing special to offer the world. But in Matthew 5:14, Jesus is telling us that he wants to make us bearers of his light. So why would he put us somewhere where our light is hidden? His encouragement to us is clear. Be generous with your light and let it shine out to whoever finds themselves in a dark place. God has given each of us a special lampstand on which we can share our light.
Prompt: What would you say is your lampstand?
Prompt: Where in your life today is God giving you opportunities to share your light?
Lead in: St. Francis is credited with saying, “Preach the Gospel and if necessary, use words.” True,
we don’t want to be preachy about what we believe. But that’s not an excuse for tepid discipleship. Discipleship is not simply about going to church and being nice to family and friends. True discipleship is the call to be a light for a darkened world. It’s a call to be used by God for the work God is doing in the world. We do that by actively engaging in the good works mentioned in Isaiah 58 and in Matthew 25. Feed the hungry. Shelter the homeless. Clothe the naked. Welcome the stranger. This kind of
engagement may take us out of our comfort zone. But as we open our hearts with a readiness to step out of our comfort zone, God’s light shines through us.
Prompt: Where is it that you are being called to engage life in a way that may take you out of your comfort zone?