Now I have the lectionary research. For Thursday, I need to create a chapel based on the Gospel reading: Matthew 5:13-20 (You are the salt of the earth, you are the light of the world).

Opening Prayer

Dear Jesus, you call us your light. Help us shine for you today. Amen.

Scripture: Matthew 5:13-16

Jesus said to his followers: “You are the salt of the earth. But if salt loses its taste, what good is it? It gets thrown out.

“You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and puts it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on a stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so they can see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.”

What This Means

Have you ever tried to find the bathroom at night without turning on any lights? You bump into things. You stub your toe. Everything is harder in the dark.

Jesus looked at his followers—fishermen, tax collectors, ordinary people—and said something surprising. He didn’t say, “Try to become light.” He said, “You ARE the light.”

Think about that. Jesus didn’t choose the smartest people or the strongest people. He chose people like us. And then he said: You’re my light for the whole world.

But here’s the strange part: What if someone lit a candle and then put a bucket over it? That would be silly, right? The candle would be useless. Jesus says we shouldn’t hide either. Not because we’re showing off, but because light is meant to help people see.

When you share your toys with your sister, that’s shining. When you tell the truth even when it’s hard, that’s shining. When you’re kind to the kid nobody plays with, that’s shining. You’re not trying to make yourself look good—you’re helping people see that God is good.

You don’t have to be perfect to shine. A candle isn’t perfect—it drips wax and flickers. But it still gives light. Jesus makes you light. Your job is just not to hide.

Let’s Talk About It

Eberley: Jesus says we ARE light—he doesn’t tell us to become light. Why do you think that matters? Where does our light actually come from if we don’t make it ourselves?

Sonja: Can you think of a time when someone was kind to you and it felt like light in a dark day? What happened?

Dahlia & Freddy: What happens when you turn on a light in a dark room? Does Jesus want us to hide or to shine?

Remember This

Jesus makes you his light—your job is just to shine.

Closing Prayer

Thank you, Jesus, for making us your light. Help us not to hide. When we’re scared or tired, remind us that you are with us. Let people see your love through us today. Amen.

Memory Verse

“You are the light of the world.” — Matthew 5:14