The Gospel according to 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.”
REFLECTION: It seems like everywhere we turn to now days, there is some level of secrecy. We have the Secret Service, secrecy in our government, movies that reveal secrets like the Da Vinci Code, secrecy within our social groups and/or family. We even have “Secret” the under-arm deodorant and “Victoria Secret” the underwear company. I have to say that women’s underwear was private until those half-naked / skinny women revealed their intimates with on TV commercials.
Seriously, today’s scripture is telling us that there are no secrets between Jesus and His people. Jesus is telling us something about your openness to others. He speaks plainly, hiding nothing, letting the truth appear. Following Jesus is not entering a secret cult, nor relying on hidden prayers, formulas but trying to be open and honest heart to listen to the truth and learn from experience.
If you want “more” understanding of the mysteries of God, then commit yourself to engaging the holy Scriptures with your mind. The beautiful aspect of this teaching of Jesus is that the more we understand His Word by this grace, the more we will immerse ourselves in it, and it will continue to grow within us. If, however, we devote little time to engaging the Word of God in prayer, we will begin to “forget,” so to speak, the spiritual depths of the wisdom of God. We will lose the little understanding we have and when this happens, we will be prone to engaging and accepting the many confusions and deceptions alive in our world.
God’s “Love & Word” is a lamp for our steps, a lamp that shines from the inside of our personalities. Nothing can put it out unless you allow it. It is always there, shining in darkness, no matter what is occurring in your life.
Jesus, to be the light of the world. Jesus does not hide himself but wishes to be a friend and guide to all who seek the meaning of their lives. People touched by this light themselves become rays of light to others. A lot depends in life on who you look up to and who you listen to. The closer you get to God the less you have to shout to be heard by Him.
How many times have you had this fear of stepping into the darkness or the shadows of our life? How many times have you stepped in and didn’t find what you were looking for. Maybe you were looking for an answer, or a resolution, or the light of Christ but nothing happened. Well, have you ever thought that you didn’t find the light was because you’re the light? You’re the light that guides others or someone. Think about it.
ACTION OF THE DAY: Find some quiet time and identify your fears. Then ask God for help in facing these fears. Ask Him what is it that you need to do to face these fears; claim these fears; and tame the fears.
AUDIO REFLECTION:
