Monday of the Twenty-fifth Week in Ordinary Time
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). When we respond with a “yes” to God’s invitation to enter life with him, the graces bestowed are not meant to benefit me alone. In fact, my “yes” to God’s offer is fully meant for the benefit of the entire world. I am not in this for myself 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.
This day, I pray for the desire to welcome God's Word as the precious gift that it is. I hope, in this small corner of the world, God's grace enables me to be a lamp that lights the way for others in their journey with God. And may I always live in the deepest gratitude for God's unmerited gifts!
--Gail Lyman