You Are a Light in the Dark
Gospel Reflection for September 19, 2022
“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. For there is nothing hidden that will not become visible, and nothing secret that will not be known and come to light. Take care, then, how you hear. 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.” (Luke 8:16-18 NABRE)
The light mentioned in today’s Gospel represents our faith. Jesus explains that no one lights a lamp only to hide it in a place where it cannot be seen by others. Rather, when one lights a lamp, or turns on a flashlight, it is meant to bring light to the darkness so that oneself and others may see. In the same way, the grace of faith is not given to us by God so that we may keep it to ourselves and not do anything with it. All of us who have faith are holding a “flashlight” in our hands, and we have the ability to help others see, if we just turn it on! We can do this by truly living out our faith. Like a light that shines in the dark so that all may see, we are to share our faith with others so that they may leave the world behind and come to Jesus, the Light.
Jesus also said, that to anyone who has this light and who has faith, more will be given to them. To anyone who nourishes their faith, pursues holiness and virtue, and lives out His commands by loving others and caring for their needs, their faith will increase through His grace. However, to those who do not have faith, and do not pursue God or live for Him, what they seem to have for themselves in this life, will all be taken away.
Sometimes it’s not so easy to share our faith with others, so we feel tempted to dim our light by hiding ourselves away and keeping quiet. So, if for one reason or another, you struggle with being Jesus’ light, I encourage you to start small. Simply share Gods love with others by going out of your way to help someone or reach out to someone. Or, set yourself apart by doing the right thing when nobody else is. One by one these decisions and actions will add up, and eventually the tiny flame you began with, will become a fire. Jesus, I pray that you show us how to be Your light!
I like your comment that if we find it hard to share our faith, start small. It reminds me of St Therese of Lisieux teaching that the smallest words and actions can have big result (I paraphrase here). I'd like to add that starting small doesn't have to be because we are uncomfortable. It can also be because the world we live in can only take small doses at any one time. More is overwhelming to them, and they tune out. In other words we need to compasionate.
Yes, I agree!!!!!