There is one line in today’s reading that I find very powerful: “You were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light.”
Notice that St. Paul does not simply say, “Believe in the light.” He says, “Live as children of light.”
In other words, if we truly belong to Christ, something should be different in the way we live.
Let me suggest three simple challenges.
When the world becomes harsh, choose kindness.
St. Paul says, “Be kind to one another, compassionate, forgiving one another as God has forgiven you.”
Today, it is very easy to become angry. One comment on Facebook, one political disagreement, one misunderstanding in the family—and suddenly we are ready for World War III!
But Paul reminds us: Christians should not simply imitate the anger around them. Ayaw tugoti nga tungod kay nasakitan ka, mahimo na usab kang makapasakit sa uban. Do not allow your wounds to turn you into someone who wounds others.
Sometimes the strongest Christian witness is very simple: I could have retaliated, but I chose kindness.
When the world becomes selfish, choose love.
St. Paul says, “Live in love, as Christ loved us and handed himself over for us.”
That last phrase is important: “handed himself over.”
For Jesus, love is not simply saying, “I love you.” Love means giving yourself.
Our world often asks, “What can I get?” Jesus asks, “What can I give?”
In our families, communities, workplaces, Church, and society, perhaps we need fewer people asking, “What is in this for me?” and more people asking, “Whom can I serve?”
When the world becomes dark, choose the light.
Paul tells us: “Live as children of light.”
Before we speak, before we post something online, before we make a business decision, before we use public money, before we vote, before we treat another person, perhaps we should ask: “Does this belong to the light?”
Is this truthful?
Is this loving?
Is this pleasing to God?
Friends, darkness does not disappear simply because we complain about how dark the world has become. Darkness disappears when somebody turns on the light.
And perhaps God is asking you and me to be that light.
So this week, wherever there is hatred, bring kindness.
Where there is selfishness, bring love.
Where there is dishonesty, bring truth.
Where there is division, become an instrument of communion.
Because the Christian life is not simply believing differently. It is living differently because we have encountered Christ.
“You are light in the Lord.”
Now go—and live as children of light.