Isaiah 58:7-10; 1 Corinthians 2:1-5; Matthew 5:13-16
True fasting is true repentance and almsgiving. It is not about the appearance only. It is not about ticking off religious obligations, but rather about a true change of heart.
Isaiah is very clear: unless justice is paired with religious obligations, complying with the obligations is meaningless. Therefore, we have to look around us and share what we have with those who are less fortunate so that they can live in dignity. Food, clothes and shelter are basic needs as well as peace, which starts with those who are closest around us.
If we open our eyes, embrace others and provide others with their basic needs, we will bring hope, life and ultimately light into the world.
Good deeds will not only make others’ lives better but will also improve our own lives. The light of the just and compassionate person will shine brightly, and God will be with this person.
Isaiah is not asking why the poor are poor. There is no mentioning of deserved and undeserved poor. There is no judgement about their poverty or their lack of shelter. There is only the call to act. If we do so, we become beacons of hope and light – and we will be living as it pleases God. God’s glory will shine in the light of our integrity.
In Paul’s letter to the Corinthians, he seems to refer to the jealousy between the philosophers of Athens and the merchants of Corinth of his time. The philosophers would argue, discuss the right behaviours and act according to their human and intellectual knowledge.
The Corinthians in Paul’s time were people of different cultures and languages, and with the reputation of behaving immorally. They would not be able to compete with the people of Athens when it comes to their philosophers or orators.
So, Paul identifies himself with the people of Corinth. He is no orator, nor is he a philosopher. His wisdom is not from this world; it is not wisdom he has acquired through studies – but it is rather a gift from God.
How would his audience have felt like when they heard that they might also have the chance to acquire this wisdom? If they trust in the power of the Holy Spirit, God’s power will fill them with wisdom – irrespective of their human knowledge and wisdom.
The integrity of a faithful believer whose light shines for all to see is identified as the ‘Salt of the Earth’. They are essential, absolutely needed in society. In connection with Isaiah, these people are the ones who see a need and act upon it. In connection with Paul’s letter to the Corinthians, they are those who trust in God’s power and wisdom and are the ‘Salt of the Earth’.
However, Jesus warns His disciples not to compromise their integrity and purity. Just like salt can lose its flavour by the amount of impurities that are in the water, human beings must also protect themselves from any impurities.
In order to fulfil their calling, the disciples need to fulfil their roles: they need to be the salt of the Earth and the light that shines from the top of the hill.
At first glance one might wonder why Jesus wants the light to shine from the top of the hill for everyone to see. Isn’t this contradicting the humility that is asked for in several parts of the Scriptures?
The important message comes at the end of the passage: ‘give the praise to your Father in heaven’. The disciples, and all of us, are asked to do good works and reach out to people in need. Through these good deeds, our light will shine brightly and reach many people. We will be the light and a testimony of the good deeds done, but rather than praising us for these good deeds, we will praise God through these deeds and invite others to follow our example.
Where is the top of the hill today? Anywhere from where the light would shine, so we can see what others (and hopefully we, too) have done in the name and praise of God. This could include today even social media.
God provides us with the tools: the compassion, the eyes to see, the ears to hear and the wisdom to act justly. It is up to us to act and to praise God with the appropriate actions.
BM
