Sealed, Sent, and Shining

2Cor 1:18-22; Psalm: 118; Mt 5:13-16

Dear friends in Christ, Today, we gather to reflect on the beautiful themes of being sealed, sent, and shining as we explore the profound truth found in Second Corinthians chapter one, verses eighteen through twenty-two, and the words of our Lord in Matthew chapter five, verses thirteen through sixteen. These passages remind us of our identity in Christ and the mission we are called to embrace. Let us begin with the foundation of our faith. Second Corinthians tells us that God’s promises find their affirmation in Christ, and through Him, we can confidently say, “Yes!” This is the foundation that we stand upon. Imagine that for a moment. When God makes a promise, He reaffirms it in Christ. He does not say maybe or sometimes. Instead, He declares a resounding yes. This is not just a concept; it is a reality that transforms our lives. It assures us that when we approach God, we are met with unwavering love and acceptance. As we acknowledge God’s powerful affirmation, our response becomes crucial.

Psalm 118 invites us to respond with our own “Amen” in worship. To say Amen is to affirm and agree with what God has declared. It is our heartfelt acceptance of His promises, our way of saying thank you for the grace that covers us. When we worship, we are not just singing songs. We are declaring our trust in God, our reliance on His promises, and our commitment to living out that faith. Worship is where our hearts align with heaven, where our thoughts are centered on the goodness of God. It is a powerful moment of connection that fuels our spirits for the mission ahead. That leads us to our mission, our purpose as followers of Christ.

In Matthew, Jesus calls us the salt of the earth and the light of the world. What a remarkable identity we have! Salt preserves and enhances flavor, while light dispels darkness and reveals truth. We are sealed with God’s promise, sent into the world with a mission, and called to shine brightly in a world that desperately needs hope. Reflect on the implications of this. Each of us is entrusted with a unique role in God’s plan. We are not meant to blend in or hide our light. Instead, we are called to be vibrant reflections of Christ’s love and grace. When we live out our faith authentically, we become the very seasoning that preserves goodness in our communities. We become beacons of hope that guide others towards the light of Christ.

As we move forward from this gathering, let us embrace our identity. We are sealed in Christ with His promises. We respond with Amen in our worship, affirming our faith and trust in Him. And we are sent into the world as salt and light, illuminating the path for others. Let us live boldly, knowing that our lives carry the weight of God’s yes. Let us shine brightly, knowing that we are called not just to exist, but to make a difference. Together, let us be sealed, sent, and shining, reflecting the glory of God in all we do. Amen.

• St. John Chrysostom writes:

“The Spirit is the pledge of our inheritance… He is the seal that makes us radiant with God’s likeness.” (Homilies on 2 Corinthians)

• Pope Francis echoes:

“God never backtracks on His word. When He promises, He delivers—because He cannot deny Himself.” (Homily, 2019)

• St. Teresa of Calcutta lived this:

“We are called to be the light in the darkness—not to curse the darkness, but to ignite hope.”