For there is nothing hidden that will not become visible,
and nothing secret that will not be known and come to light.
Sometimes we might prefer not to be exposed as Christians. There are perceptions people have of Christianity, both accurate and inaccurate, that cause them to think negatively of its members. Christians are believed to be credulous, willing to believe anything for the sake of comfort. They are sometimes thought to ignore the problems of this world because they know they will spend eternity in heaven. Because they accept the teachings of natural law and of the Church on issues like marriage and gender identity they are believed to be bigoted, hateful people. After all, was this not the same religious that opposed scientific progress and endorsed slavery in past eras, and was primarily famous for a crisis of sexual abuse in our own? Obviously there are many misconceptions entailed in these views of Christianity, though they all also contain some truth. The first and greatest misconception, though, is that Christianity itself was naturally disposed to cause such issues. Rather, it was typically people failing to live up to the demands of Christianity who tarnished its reputation. If Christianity was God's desired vehicle by which to give salvation to the earth is it any wonder that the devil would delight to sling mud upon it? But we are not thereby absolved or let off the hook. It is definitely a messy business. Easier, we think, just to focus on humanism, on essentials about which everyone, religious and non-religious, can agree. But to shun the shadow in this case is also to shun the light. All that is left when nothing is on the lampstand is a pale half-light that isn't enough to help people to see.
No one who lights a lamp conceals it with a vessel
or sets it under a bed;
rather, he places it on a lampstand
so that those who enter may see the light.
Perhaps we're reluctant to put the lamp on the lampstand because we believe that we ourselves must be the light, and, if anything, shine too inconsistently ourselves to be valuable in that role. Yes, the disciples of Jesus are meant to be lights for the world. But only secondarily, as reflections of the light that is present in Jesus himself. We can, and thank God, be imperfect, and yet still serve as lampstands from which the light of Christ can shine. And we must, both for the sakes of others, but also for our own. If we refuse to be people who bear the light of Christ to the world we will eventually find ourselves without it. If we refuse to show the mercy of Jesus to others mercy will ultimately be ineffective even in our own souls. It has been said often enough that we might be desensitized the the idea, but we can only possess this grace of God to the degree that we give it away. We can choose between being exposed as imperfect and yet committed to Jesus and his Kingdom now, or instead, on the last day, be exposed as those who did not acknowledge him.
So everyone who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven, but whoever denies me before men, I also will deny before my Father who is in heaven (see Matthew 10:32-33).
It is not an easy calling which Christians have received. It is almost certain to bring many negative consequences if we embrace it seriously. But it is only when Christians do so that Christianity can bear fruit and be what it is meant to be for the world. We can be testimony that it is not finally about us or our limitations, but Jesus, and his infinite love and mercy. When we put ourselves out there with this message it is possible that even very unlikely people may take notice and be transformed, just as Cyrus, the pagan king realized he was meant to contribute to the reconstruction of the temple in Jerusalem. There are plenty of political leaders around us whom we probably consider to be beyond the possible reach of the Gospel. But in actuality, no one is beyond that reach. Imagine what they might do if God actually touched their hearts. So let's not be afraid to let the light shine, in hopes, among other things, that they might catch a glimpse.
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