Matthew 5:13-20
[Jesus said:] 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.”
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.
The people in Minneapolis are singing! They gather in churches to learn some simple songs and then go out into the streets to sing about hope and love and caring for each other. They have caught the attention of the world’s media and of many hearts.
When folks follow Jesus’ example of radical love, trust, and hospitality, it gets noticed. Speaking out against injustice and cruelty doesn’t have to be militant. Demanding mercy for all God’s children doesn’t have to be violent. Every one of us has the power to speak God’s Truth in love, wherever we are.
The people of Minneapolis are showing the world what faith in public life looks like. They are boldly speaking out against injustice by showing up, by refusing to look away even when it leads to their own arrest, by singing songs of love and mercy while people are pointing loaded weapons at them, by playfully and joyfully getting in the way – using their own bodies to shield neighbors who are at risk.
Many of us are looking for ways to make a difference in the turmoil that surrounds us right now. There are as many ways to do that as there are people. My advice to each of us is to follow Jesus’ example of faith active in love. Care for your neighbors, encourage those who are frightened, speak out when you hear lies and bigotry, refuse to capitulate to anything that violates God’s Law of Love, and pray without ceasing.
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.
Prayer: Lord, make us instruments of your peace. AMEN