Have you ever heard of Julio Diaz? He is a 31 yr old Social Worker in New York City. Every night he had a one hour subway ride home which he always ended one stop early so he could easily walk to his favorite diner. Then one night something different happened. As Julio stepped off the train and headed for the stairs a teenager approached, brandished a knife, and demanded his money. Julio calmly handed over his wallet and the mugger began to run away. That's when something very strange happened. Julio called after the young man to wait. He said: "You forgot something. If you're going to be running around all night robbing people you are going to cold. Please take my coat, too." Dumbfounded, the boy asked him, "Why are you doing this?" Julio answered, "If you are are willing to risk your own freedom for a few dollars, then I guess you must really need the money." Diaz then invited the young man to join him for dinner.
When they arrived at the diner, the young man was amazed. Everyone in the place seemed to know, like, and respect Julio. Even the dishwashers came out of the kitchen area to say hi to him. When he questioned Diaz about this, he was informed that all persons are worthy of good treatment.
When the check came at the end of the meal, Julio told the young man he was going to have to pay since he had the wallet. Without even thinking, the teen handed the wallet back. Julio paid the tab and then gave the boy a $20. In return, he asked the boy for his knife which he quickly surrendered.
Wow! Would you have the fortitude to "let your light shine" like that? Would I? I hope so, but I'm not so sure. It is truly essential if we are going to be the beacons Jesus expects us to be. The culture we live in is hungry for people who will WITNESS to their faith in beautiful, radical, and loving ways. In fact, this culture is not going to listen to any teacher unless they are also a witness. Our society is not given to listening to preachers who pound the pulpit, speak in platitudes, and expect transformation and conversion in their congregation that they are not willing to experience themselves.
You and I need to take this message to heart as we prepare for the "Year of Faith" that Pope Benedict has established (begins Oct 11). In our home, our workplace, our neighborhood, our parish and our city we are called to bring light. Not our own dim light but the bright and satisfying light of Jesus Christ. We do this by LIVING the Gospel. Julio Diaz was able to transform the life of his would-be mugger because he was willing to live the Sermon on the Mount. He had no idea what the outcome might be but he trusted God to bring something good out of an otherwise bad situation. Julio was able to do this because it was the way he lived each and everyday of his life.
My challenge to you (and me) is to be that powerful witness today. Think of ways (authentic ways) that you can change the culture of your home and work environments by living the Gospel. It can be as simple as not laughing at a crude or racial joke. It can be as easy as cleaning up your language and encouraging others to do the same. Or it can be as difficult as lovingly confronting your boss if he/she treats an employee unjustly.
There are many ways to bring Jesus into this world. Will you be his light today by witnessing to the truth in love?
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