Dear brothers and sisters, “This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it” (Psalm 118:24).
The Servant of Yahweh
The first reading from the book of the prophet Isaiah talks about the servant of Yahweh through whom the Lord will manifest his glory and whom He will make a light to the nations so that His salvation will reach the ends of the Earth. Some biblical scholars identify this servant of Yahweh with Jesus Christ. To others, Isaiah’s prophesy refers to the people of Israel and, indeed, to all of us who are adopted children of God and who have the responsibility of manifesting in our lives the glory of God. As children of God, we have been made light to the nations to make the salvation of God be experienced by all people of every nation and race.
Called to be Light to the Nations
In line with the prophecy and teaching of Isaiah, Jesus calls us the light of the world. A city set on a mountain that cannot be hidden (Matt. 5:14). To be a light of the world or to the nations entails living a holy, righteous, and upright life. That is the challenge of every Christian who is privileged to be called a child of God.
St. Paul gave a similar challenge to the Church of God in Corinth, where he ministered and preached. This is the portion of our second reading today. He urged them to be Holy since they have been sanctified in Christ Jesus and, through that way, become veritable witnesses of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. St. Paul’s admonition is a clarion call for every Christian. The holiness of life is the best way of witnessing and testifying for Jesus Christ. It is the best way of shining and showing the light of Jesus Christ to the world. Scripture tells us, “You shall be holy because I am holy” (1Pet. 1:16).
Following the Footsteps of John the Baptist
John the Baptist came as a precursor, a herald, and a forerunner of Jesus Christ. He baptized Jesus Christ and, as we read in the Gospel today, showed him or pointed him out to people as the lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world. John continued in the mission for which he came, preparing the way of the Lord and making Him known to people. He witnessed and testified for Jesus Christ. He was an example of what it means to be a light to the world.
Like John the Baptist, let us continue to be witnesses of Jesus Christ through our holiness of life, charitable deeds, preaching, and establishing beautiful relationships with one another. Let us continue to shine our lights through our good deeds. Let us continue to testify to the goodness of the Lord and manifest His glory among the people we encounter in our various areas and endeavors of life.
Always remember that Jesus loves you!
