A Divine Invitation

Step #1: Lectio / Read

Matthew 5:13-17

Jesus said to his disciples:
“You are the salt of the earth.
But if salt loses its taste, with what can it be seasoned?
It is no longer good for anything
but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.
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;
it is set on a lampstand,
where it gives light to all in the house.
Just so, your light must shine before others,
that they may see your good deeds
and glorify your heavenly Father.”

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Step #2: Meditatio / Meditate

If I’m being honest, I have to admit that I love receiving invitations. 

Party invitations, group chat invitations, graduation invitations, no matter the type of invitation, I’m bound to find it thoroughly delightful. I think it has something to do with the fact that when someone invites you to do something, it means that you are wanted, that out of all of the people they could have decided to ask, they chose you; and who doesn’t like being chosen? 

In today’s Gospel reading, each and every one of us has received an invitation; and not just any invitation, but an invitation from our Lord himself to be “the light of the world,” an image that points to our call to spread Christ’s love everywhere we go. 

Now I must admit that I’ve received this particular invitation often enough in my life that it’s easy for me to take it for granted. I read this Scripture passage and the invitation almost seems impersonal, as if Jesus meant to extend the invitation to whatever disciples were present at the time, but certainly not to me. 

In reality, however, nothing could be farther from the truth. When we take a closer look at the text, we see that Christ makes it clear that He has chosen each of us, exclusively and individually, to shine His light throughout the world. He specifically states that “you are THE light of the world” not just A light of the world, but “THE light of the world”. This means that there is a way in which Christ’s light shines through each of us that is entirely unique and specific to who we are. So unique and specific, in fact, that no one could take our place. If any of us were to reject Christ’s invitation to be the light, the world would be filled with more darkness. 

This truth requires us to ask ourselves the question: if we do not make a conscious effort to be “the light of the world,” then who will? The Lord has invited you, He has chosen you and called you by name; will you accept his invitation? Will you be the light?

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Step #3: Oratio / Pray

"Just so, your light must shine before others,
that they may see your good deeds
and glorify your heavenly Father.”

​Jesus has invited me to spread the light of his love throughout the world. Is there anything keeping me from accepting this invitation? 

What are some gifts/talents that God has given me that can help me be “THE light of the world”?

What are some practical ways that I can allow Christ’s light of love shine through me in my everyday life? 

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Step #4: Contemplatio / contemplate

You are the light of the world.

Jesus, shine your light through me.

Lord, teach me how to love.

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For the Rest Of Your Day...

Ask the Lord to identify one person that he wants you to reach out to, someone who could use the light of Christ in their life. Then do something that will practically and simply brighten their day with the love of the Lord. (Keep in mind that this doesn’t have to be a big thing, it can be as small as complimenting someone at school who seems to be having a hard day).

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Smartphone Lock Screen

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Today's prayer was prepared by Lauren Wright, an Adore Ministries Missionary and Youth Minister in Rockford, IL.