The first head coach I worked under after graduating from college took Susan and me to Italy last week. The three of us had an incredible time and Susan and I will be forever grateful. The first place we visited was Rome, the city built on seven hills. Palatine Hill, the legendary place where Romulus killed his brother, Remus, and planted the Eternal City was the place where the rich and powerful lived. As rulers tried to outdo one another with beautiful buildings, the hill eventually became one huge palace. Our word, ‘palace,’ comes from the word, ‘palatine.’
Though despised by citizens of Jesus’ land, Rome surely fit the description of the illustration he used to teach the Father’s purpose for his children on earth. “You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.”
A person can’t help but be awestruck as he sees the cathedrals of Rome. Priceless paintings, gold-plated ceilings, and incredible sculptures overwhelm the mind. So much points to the Bible and God’s plan to save the world. When a twenty-four year old Michelangelo sculpted his Pieta, little did he imagine the millions of people that would admire his masterpiece and be drawn to the story of the crucified Savior in the arms of his mother. As I admired all the beauty and all the history, I couldn’t help but wonder if this was the light of the world Jesus spoke about. Of course, such deliberations aren’t confined to Italy, as our own country has its share of physical cities on a hill. I respect Michelangelo and other artists who use their talents to point heavenward, but surely Jesus was also thinking of the influence a common fisherman might have in this world as he lets his light shine before men.
Henri Nouwen lived in Rome for several months before moving to serve the mentally handicapped at a L’Arche community in Toronto, Canada. The former teacher at Notre Dame and Harvard became convinced God wanted his light to shine in a place where few would notice. Most of the people he served could not even express appreciation, but Henri knew that didn’t matter. While in Rome, he discovered the most powerful spiritual light had little to do with famous landmarks or prominent leaders. He found the brightest light shining among servants that few knew, humble men and women who dedicated themselves to serving the poor and giving cups of cool water in Jesus’ name. No one paid admission to watch these believers and some even called them clowns, but the witness of Christ was unmistakable and rich praise went forth to our Father in Heaven.
Sitting in a true Italian restaurant, our friend told us of a shining light he had witnessed while growing up in South Georgia. Teaching Sunday school class, taking food to the needy, visiting the sick, living with integrity, giving generously… these are the things that were remembered. Most have never heard of the elderly lady that impacted many, but Jesus smiles when he sees this type of ‘city on a hill’ that makes a difference.
Of course, the only light that makes a difference is Jesus, Himself. Without such Light, we have no power. Henri Nouwen’s book, “Clowning in Rome,” is an encouragement to walk closely with our Lord. If you want your light to shine, spend continual time with Jesus. If you want the Father to receive glory, get to know the Son. If you want your life to make a difference, give up self and be filled with Christ. He is the Light of the world and all who truly meet him will be forever changed.
“I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12