A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke 8:16-18
Jesus said to the crowd: “No one who lights a lamp conceals it with a vessel or sets it under a bed;rather, he places it on a lampstand so that those who enter may see the light. For there is nothing hidden that will not become visible, and nothing secret that will not be known and come to light.Take care, then, how you hear. To anyone who has, more will be given,and from the one who has not, even what he seems to have will be taken away.”
REFLECTION: "he places it on a lampstand so that those who enter may see the light."
When both our mothers died just a few years apart, there were many things my husband and I brought home from their homes. These were items that brought back memories of this and that~ An amalgam of Colorado Indian artwork and Catholic images of Jesus and Mary.
One happy memory is this huge lamp that really had no place in our home. My desk became its safe haven. Unfortunately, this lamp was too big and did not provide the lighting that I needed. I struggled to make it work and eventually I had to buy a new lamp.
First try, the lamp I bought was too small and the bulb wattage was too low. The lighting was too soft. It really was meant to be a decorative lamp. I returned it and got one that was more practical and now there is a bright light to let me read without struggling, letting me soak up the words and works of God. It allows God's grace to illumine my life. God in turn watches over me in even the darkest of times.
And as we need some light in the darkness to guide us, we also are reminded that we can be the light bearers of Christ so that others may see God. Saint Padre Pio was such a light bearer. Millions of lives were touched by him, though he lived in a monastery. Father Pio was most generous with his time and love, spending hours in the confessional and never taking any vacation. The more he gave, the more gifts God gave him.
And as in the gospel, the more generous we are with God's gifts, the more graces God will give us. The less we share, the less God will give us. .
What kind of light will our friends and family see in us? Can we show God to others? Can we find a pathway through the dark?
God Bless
