Scripture:
Ezra 1:1-6
Luke 8:16-18
Reflection:
In today’s Gospel reading, Jesus says, "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." If we can say that God has put the light of Christ in us, then we also know that God doesn’t want that light to be hidden. Instead, He wants it to shine through us, so that people can see the light of Christ when they encounter us or when they come inside the church.
We know the world has seen enough darkness. As we deal with the tragedy of yet another mass shooting, and we see people pick up the pieces of their lives in Colorado and Mexico, as well as refugees trying to survive, we know how much violence and suffering has clouded the lives of so many. So we are to bring light, and the only light that lasts is the light of Christ.
And the light is to be shared. Jesus also says in our Gospel reading, "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." This is not so much a picture of financial reality as it is a statement of spiritual truth. When we try to hang on and keep to ourselves what we have been given, it eventually disappears. When we share the blessings and the grace and the love, and the light, that we have been given, they grow; they do not diminish!
May the light of Christ grow in us, and the darkness be dispersed.
Fr. Phil Paxton, C.P. is on staff at St. Paul of the Cross Passionist Retreat and Conference Center, Detroit, Michigan.