Monday 23rd September
2019. Read Ezra 1:1-6, Psalm 126 and Luke 8:16-18
_“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 hidden. 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).
The type of light in this analogy is
the oil lamp. For those who have seen an oil lamp (like the kerosene lamp we use
at night), you would agree with me that any attempt to hide the lamp without
first quenching it could be fatal. This means that as Christians if we are not
making any impact in our society, our light has been quenched.
Jesus wants us to understand that as
Christians, 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 say this phrase repeatedly: “I am light; I
cannot hide.” Indeed, as St. Paul says, the safest life is to “live 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 25th Week in Ordinary Time.
Bible Study: Ezra 1:1-6, Psalm 126 and Luke 8:16-18)*
Fr. Abu.
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