Monday of the Twenty-fifth Week in Ordinary Time
A very precious friend of mine passed away this week. He was a true “light” to everyone who met him. People could not help but be attracted to the gentleness, compassion, and joy that flowed in his presence. I called this friend my “surrogate” father after my own wonderful father passed away seven years ago. We met hundreds of times for breakfast and talked about the struggles and joys of life and family. Invariably the conversation ended up centering around how living as a Christian deeply affects all aspects of our everyday life—no matter how big or small.
Today’s reading from the St. Luke relates the parable of the lamp (Lk 8:16-18). This passage is part of the section of Luke’s Gospel that deals with the theme of how we hear and respond to the Word of God, preceded by the parable of the sower and followed by Jesus’ explanation of who truly are members of his family—those who hear the word of God and act on it. So how does a disciple respond to the Word of God? Jesus tells us, “No one who lights a lamp conceals it with a vessel or sets it under a bed; rather, he places it on a lamp stand so that those who enter may see the light” (Lk 8:16). I understand this to mean that, when we respond with a “yes” to God’s invitation to enter life with him, our response is not meant to benefit us alone. In fact, our “yes” to God’s offer is fully meant for the benefit of the entire world. We are not in this for ourselves alone. When I respond to the Word as God intends, I will be very much like a lamp—attracting people and shedding light, warmth, and security to all those around me. Light sheds itself indiscriminately—period. My personal transformation, possibly only by permitting the Word to work in me, will necessarily speak in the most authentic way to the world about who God truly is and what being a disciple of Christ entails.
My friend was a disciple. My friend was a lamp set high on a mountain in this world. He radiated the person of Christ even to those who did not know Christ. I am blessed to have seen first hand how a disciple of Jesus lives in this world. And I pray, encouraged by his example, I may follow Jesus more closely.
O Holy Gracious One,
Grant me the desire to receive your Word
as the precious gift that it is.
Let me be a lamp in this world
that points the way to you.
With the intercession of Mary,
Through Jesus Christ
AMEN
Gail Lyman