In the weeks after Christmas, we are in the season of Epiphany. This begins with the arrival of the Magi which we consider the first glimpse of God’s incarnation to the world.
Matthew 5:13-20 (NRSVue)
13 “You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how can its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything but is thrown out and trampled under foot.
14 “You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. 15 People do not light a lamp and put it under the bushel basket; rather, they put it on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. 16 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.
17 “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have come not to abolish but to fulfill. 18 For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth pass away, not one letter, not one stroke of a letter, will pass from the law until all is accomplished. 19 Therefore, whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. 20 For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.
Here again, Jesus asks us to reflect on the power we already have. “You are salt. You are light.” Not, “Do you want to be salt, or do you want to be light?” You already are. You already add flavor to this world. You already shine with a dazzling light. You are already loved and cherished by God.
In the UMC, we baptized infants because we believe God’s grace exists for us before we can do anything to earn it. We don’t get to choose whether or not we’re loved, but we do get to choose how we respond to God’s love. Will we work with God to multiply love, enhance generosity, brighten someone’s day? Or will we keep divine love to ourselves and hide it under a bushel? May we all choose, as the classic hymn says, to “let it shine, let it shine, let it shine!”
Consider these questions:
- Do you believe you are already loved before you do anything to “earn” it?
- How do you add flavor to this world? What gifts and talents do you bring?
- How may you respond to God’s love this week?