Gospel Reflection by Dn. Paul Machuca
The Gospel according to Mark (4: 21-25)
Jesus said to his disciples, “Is a lamp brought in to be placed under a bushel basket or under a bed, and not to be placed on a lampstand? For there is nothing hidden except to be made visible; nothing is secret except to come to light. Anyone who has ears to hear ought to hear.” He also told them, “Take care what you hear. The measure with which you measure will be measured out to you, and still more will be given to you. To the one who has, more will be given; from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away.”
Opening Prayer: Lord, help me to really reach you in my prayer, to hear you, so I can discover the satisfaction and happiness that comes from serving you and serving others.
Encountering Christ: As far back as I can remember my wife has been attracted to Light Houses. Whenever we are near one, we make every effort to get as close as we can. Years ago, we visited a friend who was stationed on a military facility on the coast that had a light house. Needless to say, we asked if we could visit it. We were able to climb the stairs all the way to the top and stand next to the huge rotating light. While I was there, I imagined how many ships had been guided by this light in all the years it was there. How many countless lives were directed by the steady and reliable presence of that light.
Today’s gospel seems to give us a couple of messages. One, we are all blessed with the gift of the light of Christ. And two, we are all called to share that light with everyone without holding anything back.
We probably all know someone who when they walk in a room brightens the mood and everyone gets excited. They are a light that seems to illuminate the environment, especially all who are present. Don’t be fooled, just because you may not be that type of person does not mean you do not have a light of your own. We are all endowed with the light of love that is given to us at the moment of our conception and, if we let it, illuminates forever. In Mathew’s gospel Jesus, after proclaiming the Beatitudes, says “You are the light of the world.” That is right, you and I, we are the light of the world. Jesus says this because it is true. We, like a lighthouse, are beacons of love who can help others find their way.
And isn’t it so powerful that Jesus follows the kindness of a beautiful revelation with an exhortation sometimes sounding somewhat ominous. He says listen, pay attention, do not lose this part of what I am teaching you. Go out and share your light without judging and without following the world’s standard of what’s in it for me. We are called to share what we have been given. If we choose to keep it to ourselves then even what we have will be taken away. This brings to mind yet another verse from Matthew’s gospel, Jesus says “Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.
Let your light shine for all to see the marvelous ways God has blessed you and let your actions reflect a life lost for Christ.
Closing Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for the light of our lives. Help us to recognize the beauty of this eternal gift and to use it without counting the cost so your kingdom may be glorified and bring many to believe and follow you.
Action for the Day: Bring a smile to someone with a kind word, encouragement, an attentive ear, or even a shoulder to cry on. Be the light that this world so desperately needs.