Two weeks ago, we were told we are called to reflect the light of Christ to those who live in darkness.  To overcome any obstacles in our mission by leaving the boat of comfort and casting aside the nets of division.  Last week we were given a roadmap on how we can better reflect the light of Christ by living the beatitudes. This week we are given concrete ways on how we can become the light of the world.  It begins by not forgetting our own (which is the whole human family) and to start to help the poor then “your light shall break forth like the dawn.”  The first reading gives us those concrete ways: feed the hungry, shelter the oppressed, clothe the naked.  It almost gives us the complete list of the works of mercy, in practicing them we become the light of the world for others.  The first reading reminds us to help others, and God will take care of our needs. To not worry about what is happening to us but share the little or much we have, and God will take care us as well in the process.  Further the first reading reminds us that if we help others we will be guarded from evil and malice, and our gloomy existence (of just surviving) will become a light-filled existence that shines in the darkness. The first reading basically says God takes care of those who take care of others. The second reading is saying that God is not impressed with fancy words. We may render lip service to God, but that is not what is going to save us.  We are called to speak through actions, through examples. Like St. Francis said we are called to preach the Gospel at all times and if necessary, use words. We are not called to render a treatise of what it means to be the light of the world and only use sublime words to describe it but at the end leave the person stranded. We are called to put our light into actions.  Finally, the Gospel reading again reminds us to be the light of the world, God has given us so much we cannot hide our talents.  We cannot throw away all the blessing God has given us so they can be trampled.  We will have to render an account of our lives and hopefully we do not have to admit we wasted our lives by hiding our light under a basket.  Our light must shine before others in concrete ways, so that all may glorify our heavenly Father.