Gospel Reflection for The 30th day of January in the year of Our Lord, 2025

Mark 4:21-25

21 And he said to them: Doth a candle come in to be put under a bushel, or under a bed? and not to be set on a candlestick? 22 For there is nothing hid, which shall not be made manifest: neither was it made secret, but that it may come abroad. 23 If any man have ears to hear, let him hear. 24 And he said to them: Take heed what you hear. In what measure you shall mete, it shall be measured to you again, and more shall be given to you. 25 For he that hath, to him shall be given: and he that hath not, that also which he hath shall be taken away from him.

Today's Gospel certainly brings back memories for me! Growing up in Protestant churches, I went to many Sunday School classes and Vacation Bible Schools in the summer. I suppose the first songs we were taught were “Yes, Jesus Loves Me, The Bible Tells Me So” and “This Little Light Of Mine, I'm Gonna Let It Shine.”

The candle in this verse was interpreted as the Holy Spirit living within the Christian. And, that is one valid understanding of this verse. What also stands out is Jesus' warning to the Jews that the special blessing of God given to them would be taken away if they lacked faith in Jesus. But, that is not all.

We must recall, again, that Jesus did not leave us a book, but a Church with His authority to teach who gave us the Bible. The early Church that compiled, wrote and published the Bible taught that the candle was a reference to the Church, just as was the “Shining city set upon a hill, visible for all ages,” and “the New Jerusalem,” among other verses.

When I was very young, I remember President Ronald Reagan's famous speech about America being the Shining City as a beacon of freedom. Recently, I have heard even a very traditional Catholic political commentator refer to America as the New Jerusalem. Both analogies though very inspirational, are extremely inappropriate. Yes, America was founded by Christians, but they were mostly Protestants who did not recognize what those terms truly meant. America has certainly been a positive force in the world. But, as the old saying attributed to de Tocqueville states, “America is great because she is good. If America no longer be good, she will cease to be great.”

As I often say, America needs God, God does not need America. God can accomplish His will with any people on earth, or even raise up a generation from stones as our Lord said to emphasize that man did not dictate God's will. I certainly hope America will return to Christian morals and become a good nation again.... but, it certainly is not now, and neither is any nation of which I am aware. Even Poland, perhaps the most traditionally Catholic nation in the world, is having its troubles with socialist, secularist liberals in their government. No, that light is not a nation of men, but the Church founded by Jesus which gives us the light of the Holy Spirit so it can dwell within us, as well... The Body of Christ.

The warning at the end of today's Gospel applies to each of us, individually, and to our once Christian nations. If we kindle that light by remaining true to the teachings of God and His Church (and as individuals receive the Sacraments) that light will grow and shine. Each of us will be a beacon of hope and love. Our nations will be peaceful and strong. But, if we do not, what we have will be taken away.

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Judson Carroll is the author of several books, including his newest, A Daily Catholic Devotional, Reflections on the Daily Mass Readings January-June, 2025 It is Available in paperback on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DK3M1WDZ

and

Confirmation, an Autobiography of Faith. It is also Available in paperback on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C47Q1JNK

His new podcast is The Uncensored Catholic https://www.spreaker.com/show/the-uncensored-catholic