I am a Light; I Cannot Hide.

Homily for September 25, 2017

In the words of Jesus, “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. For nothing is hidden that shall not be made manifest, nor anything secret that shall not be known and come to the light.” Luke 8:16-17

In Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus said: “You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:14-16.

Mind you, in the days of Jesus, electricity had not been discovered. The type of light in this analogy was the oil lamp. For those who have seen an oil lamp or the modern day kerosene lamp used along the road by traders at night, you would agree with me that an attempt to hide the lamp without first quenching it could be fatal.

Jesus wants us to understand that as Christians, as his followers, we are just like that lamp. We cannot hide. There should be no skeletons in our cupboards. Whatever we would not be proud of disclosing to others, we should not even partake of at all. There is no secret that ever remains a secret forever. One day, it will be exposed.

Whenever we are faced with a temptation, it will do us well to repeat this phrase to ourselves over and over again: “I am a light; I cannot hide.” Indeed, as St. Paul concludes in our second reading yesterday, the safest way to live is to “live your life in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.” Philippians 1:27.

Let us pray: Lord Jesus, help me to remain ever conscious of my identity as a lamp. Amen.

*Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Monday of the 25^th Week in Ordinary Time. Bible Study: Ezra 1:1-6 and Luke 8:16-18)*

Fr. Abu.