The word “light” often appears in the Bible, and in the Gospel of Matthew, our Lord tells his disciples that they (we) are the “light of the world.” Mother T. added a small note on the “light” part, namely:
“14 You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hid. 15 Nor do men light a lamp and put it under a bushel, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”
— Matthew 5: 14-16.
Verse 14. Mother T. points out that it is in the indicative mood; it does not say, “Be the light of the world.” It says that we, the disciples, already ARE the light of the world. “You are the light of the world” means that Christians become light through baptism.
Verse 15. According to Haydock, the light of the world, the city on the mountain, and the lamp, refer to the Catholic Church, which cannot be hidden, because it is built on Christ, the mountain.
Verse 16. “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” Mother T.’s note on verse 16 emphasizes the point that we already are the light, we have the light; our job is simply to let it shine.
Indeed, it is impossible to hide if one is light. Christians are the light of the world. I realized that I had often forgotten this fact. “When we successfully complete our God-given role as ‘light,’ the place to which our souls return is to the God of Light, far above. It is not easy.”Thanks to Mother T.’s note for reminding me.
Glory to God!