Monday of the Twenty-fifth Week in Ordinary Time
Light is something that we experience on a daily basis, and yet we so often take it for granted. When I was recently cutting my grass in the evening as the sun was setting and the moon was rising, I recognized how much our life is affected by light. Without light we are often unable to accomplish tasks and are potentially at risk for getting hurt, since we are unable to see where we are going. Jesus in today’s reading talks about placing a lamp on a stand so people can see where they are going. Christ is the light that illuminates our path and faith in him shows us where to go. When we bask in the light of the “Son,” not only do we accomplish what we need to do with His guidance and grace, but we too become lights that provide a reflection of His mercy and compassion for the world around us.
In the gospel reading, Jesus using the common experience of lighting a lamp to help the crowd understand more about Him and His word. In the previous verses in Luke’s gospel, Jesus has just talked about the parable of the sower of the seed. He explains how the seed (the word) has fallen on different soils, and how this represents the response of various people to his message. He goes on in this scripture passage to explain that those who receive Him and His message should not remain hidden but must stand out so “those who enter may see the light. “ (Luke 8: 16) The brilliance of his message is so great that “there is nothing hidden that will not become visible” (Luke 8:17) Jesus is the light of the world, but our faith in Him allows us to be filled with His light. To believe in Jesus requires an openness to Him as we recognize His life within us. Jesus never forces Himself upon us, but awaits our “yes” to Him. For those who are able to receive Him, His grace is poured out. But a person who cannot be open and accepting “even what he seems to have will be taken away.” (Luke 8:18) Just as the lamp provides the light needed to accomplish the tasks at hand (and in a safe manner), Jesus implies that His disciples provide the light needed to help the world believe in Him and build the Kingdom of God.
So what does it mean for us to be the “lamp on the lamp stand”? We must first recognize that our brightness is from Christ- without Him we are in the dark. This requires a sense of humility and realization of our complete dependence of Jesus. With complete openness, we must take every opportunity to learn from Jesus- to come to know Him and His ways. This requires an open heart, open mind, eyes to see Him in all situations, and ears to hear his message in our daily life. When we consciously “bask” in the Son and His ways, then we become that light for others around us to see. Jesus does not want us to hide our faith “under a bed”, but He wants us to follow Him when we treat others with compassion and share His mercy with those in need. It is only when we live as Jesus lived- in complete self-sacrifice and love, that our light will become so bright that “everything will become visible.” We can only evangelize the Good News of Jesus by the way we live our lives. If our light truly shines like a lamp, then hopefully those around us will come to see the need for the light of Christ in their lives. When we join the light of all our lamps and share Christ with the world, then not only do we bring all things to light, but the shining of our lives brings glory to God as we help to build His kingdom.
The refrain from the song “Beatitudes” by Balhoff/ Dukote describes in song what it means to be the lamp on the lamp stand.
Let your light shine for all the world to see, The brightness of your life within, the peace that sets you free.
Let your light shine to fill your nights and days; All will see the deeds you do and give your father praise.
"Heavenly Father, thank you for Jesus- the light of the world who shares your love and life with us. May Your Spirit within us give us a deeper faith in Jesus so we may live out His word in all we say and do. May each of us be a light to this world, and may our lives give you glory and praise. We pray this through Christ, our LORD. AMEN."
Marylynn Herchline