I am Light; I Cannot Hide

Monday, 25 September 2023. Read Ezra 1:1-6, Ps. 126, 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. 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. After lighting a lamp, no one 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. 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, it is because our light has been quenched.

Jesus says: “Nothing is hidden that shall not be made manifest.” Every secret has its expiry date. Whatever we have tried to hide will someday come to light.

When 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: Almighty, ever-living God, help me remain conscious of my identity as a lamp. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Monday of week 25 in Ordinary Time. Bible Study: Ezra 1:1-6, Ps. 126, Luke 8:16-18).

@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu