In God Makes the Rivers to Flow; An Anthology of the World’s Sacred Poetry & Prose, Eknath Easwaran includes a selection from the Gospel of Saint Matthew entitled “The Sermon on the Mount.”  I’ve written the following poem-like reflections inspired by this selection.

The Light of the World

Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

—The Gospel of Saint Matthew

Don’t hide your light.

Don’t hide your light under a bushel.

Don’t hide your light under the covers.

Don’t hide your light behind a curtain.

Don’t hide your light behind a computer screen.

Don’t cover your light up with expensive clothes.

Don’t cover your light up with rags.

Don’t cover your light with silence.

Don’t cover your light with raucous noise.

Don’t hide behind your father.

Don’t hide behind your mother.

Don’t hide behind your brother.

Don’t hide behind your sister.

Don’t hide behind your boss.

Don’t hide behind your company.

Don’t hide behind your job.

Don’t hide behind your government.

Don’t hide behind your faith.

Don’t say you are unworthy.

For you are worthy.

You are meant to stand on top of mountains and shine.

You are meant to rise above the clouds and shine.

You are meant to rise above circumstances and shine.

You are not meant to be poor.

You are not meant to suffer.

You are meant for joy.

You are meant to spread joy like butter on bread.

You are meant to share your abundance.

You are meant to love all the children as if you were their mother.

You are meant to love all your neighbors as is you were their brother.

You are meant to love all strangers as if you were their neighbor.

You are meant to love all enemies as if you were their lover.

You are meant to shine your love as the sun shines light.

You are meant to light up the sky.

You are the light of the world.

Don’t hide your light.