GOSPEL READING:
Luke 8:16-1816 "No one after lighting a lamp covers it with a vessel, or puts it under a bed, but puts it on a stand, that those who enter may see the light. 17 For nothing is hid that shall not be made manifest, nor anything secret that shall not be known and come to light. 18 Take heed then how you hear; for to him who has will more be given, and from him who has not, even what he thinks that he has will be taken away."
Meditation: What does the image of light and a lamp tell
us about God's kingdom? Lamps in the ancient world served a vital
function, much like they do today. They enable people to see and
work in the dark and to avoid stumbling. The Jews also understood
"light" as an expression of the inner beauty, truth, and goodness
of God. In his light we see light ( Psalm 36:9). His
word is a lamp that guides our steps (Psalm 119:105).
God's light frees us from the blindness of sin so we can
walk in truth and goodness
God's grace not only illumines the darkness in our lives, it also
fills us with spiritual light, joy, and peace. Jesus used the
image of a lamp to describe how his disciples are to live in the
light of his truth and love. Just as natural light illumines the
darkness and enables one to see visually, so the light of
Christ shines in the hearts of believers and enables us to
see the heavenly reality of God's kingdom. In fact, our mission is
to be light-bearers of Christ so that others may see the
truth of the Gospel - the good news of Jesus Christ - and be freed
from the blindness of sin, ignorance, and deception.
Live in the light of God's truth, beauty, and goodness
Jesus remarks that nothing can remain hidden or secret (Luke
8:17). We can try to hide things from others, from ourselves, and
from God. How tempting to shut our eyes from the consequences of
our sinful ways and bad habits, even when we know what those
consequences are. And how tempting to hide them from others and
even from God. But, nonetheless, everything is known to God who
sees all. There is great freedom and joy for those who live in
God's light and who seek his truth. Those who listen to God and
heed his voice will receive more from him - abundance of wisdom,
guidance, peace, and blessing. Do you know the joy and freedom of
living in God's light?
Lord Jesus, you guide me by the light of your saving truth. Fill my heart and mind with your light and truth and free me from the blindness of sin and deception that I may see your ways clearly and understand your will for my life. May I radiate your light and truth in word and deed to those around me.
Psalm 126:1-6
1 When the LORD restored the fortunes of Zion, we were like those who dream.
2 Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with shouts of joy; then they said among the nations, "The LORD has done great things for them."
3 The LORD has done great things for us; we are glad.
4 Restore our fortunes, O LORD, like the watercourses in the Negeb!
5 May those who sow in tears reap with shouts of joy!
6 He that goes forth weeping, bearing the seed for sowing, shall come home with shouts of joy, bringing his sheaves with him.
Daily Quote from the Early Church Fathers: The Word of God is like a lamp to guide us, by Origen of Alexandria (185-254 AD)
"Scripture does not say this about a tangible lamp but about a comprehensible one. One does not 'light' the lamp and conceal it 'with a vessel' or put it 'under a bed, but on the lamp stand' within himself. The vessels of the house are the powers of the soul. The bed is the body. 'Those who go in' are those who hear the teacher... He calls the holy church a 'lamp stand.' By its proclamation, the Word of God gives light to all who are in this world and illuminates those in the house with the rays of the truth, filling the minds of all with divine knowledge. (excerpt from FRAGMENTS ON LUKE 120, 122)
