Monday of the Twenty-Fifth Week in Ordinary Time
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.”
Opening Prayer: Lord, thank you for this moment in prayer to be with you. Shine your light into the farthest recesses of my soul and enlighten me to know, understand and act on your word today.
Encountering Christ:
- Being a Light: Lights of any kind have their source. Electricity turns on light bulbs. Matches use phosphorus to burn. Lightning bugs glow in the dark because they have chemicals, enzymes, and oxygen in their abdomens. If we want to be Christ’s light shining brightly from a lampstand, we must be connected to the proper source, Christ himself. We will know we have a good connection when we radiate the fruits of the Holy Spirit: charity, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, generosity, gentleness, faithfulness, modesty, self-control, and chastity.
- Nothing Hidden: According to the book of Hebrews, “No creature is concealed from him, but everything is naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must render an account” (Heb 4:13). Adam hid from God because he was ashamed (cf. Gen 3:8). We, too, might be tempted to try to hide in the shadows rather than admit our own sinfulness to God. But we have nothing to fear. God sees us, with all of our strengths and weaknesses, and he loves us limitlessly. He has given us the sacraments to purify our souls of any dark secrets. He has revealed his Divine Mercy to encourage us on our way. We have the Scriptures, Church teachings, faith communities, spiritual friendships, and so many other graces to aid us on our journey. Only those who prefer the darkness need worry about one day stepping into the light of final judgment.
- More Will Be Given: Jesus seemed to be saying to the crowd, “Listen up!” as he spoke to them about the qualities of faith: “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.” In other words, those with strong faith, looking for ways to radiate the light of Christ, will always have what they need, and more, to fulfill their unique missions, and their faith will continue to grow. Those who neglect their spiritual life allow their faith to wither and end up with none. “Faith is an entirely free gift that God makes to man…To live, grow, and persevere in the faith until the end we must nourish it with the word of God; we must beg the Lord to increase our faith; it must be ‘working through charity,’ abounding in hope, and rooted in the faith of the Church” (CCC 162).
Conversing with Christ: Lord, I want to be a light to those whom you place in my life so that they come to know you. Help me to stay close to you so that I can bear the fruits of the Spirit in my dealings with everyone, especially those closest to me. I beg you to increase my faith.
Resolution: Lord, today by your grace I will make an act of faith at midday and before evening prayer.
Maribeth Harper celebrated paying the last tuition bill for her kids’ college by writing a book for parents who have college-aged young adults, A Spiritual Toolbox: Tips for Parenting through the First Year of College. She is a wife of thirty-five years, mother of four, and grandmother of twelve and counting.
