We are all light

Are you a "middle kid"? Grownups have written whole books about middle children -- kids who aren't the oldest or youngest in their families, but the ones in the middle. They say those kids can be forgotten because they're in the middle.

Jesus would have loved middle kids, though. In this week's Gospel (Matthew 5:13-16), He talks about how we all have gifts to share and God lives in all of us -- big kids, little kids and middle kids!

"You are the salt of the earth. But if salt loses its flavor, it's no good. You are the light of the world, and people don't hide lamps under baskets -- they put them on tables to fill the whole house with light. Let your light shine like a lamp, so everyone can see God in you!"

That's why Jesus reminded us all that we're "the light of the world." He meant that if we all shared our stuff and worked hard to help each other, everyone in the world would have a good life.

Jesus didn't say "Only Caitlin is the light of the world," or "Josh is the only person who's the light of the world." He didn't say oldest or youngest kids were the most special and the only ones who could help people. Jesus said, "YOU are the light of the world -- every single one of you."

Middle kids are the light of the world, too! How are you going to "let your light shine" by helping people?

PRAYER FOR THE WEEK: Jesus, help me to let my light shine on everyone I meet! Amen.

(02-04-99)