FIRST READING
Proverbs 3:27-34
Refuse no one the good on which he has a claim when it is in your power to do it for him. Say not to your neighbor, “Go, and come again, tomorrow I will give,” when you can give at once.
Plot no evil against your neighbor, against one who lives at peace with you. Quarrel not with a man without cause, with one who has done you no harm.
Envy not the lawless man and choose none of his ways: To the LORD the perverse one is an abomination, but with the upright is his friendship.
The curse of the LORD is on the house of the wicked, but the dwelling of the just he blesses; When dealing with the arrogant, he is stern, but to the humble he shows kindness.
RESPONSORIAL PSALM
Psalm 15:2-3a, 3bc-4ab, 5
R. (1) The just one shall live on your holy mountain, O Lord.
He who walks blamelessly and does justice; who thinks the truth in his heart and slanders not with his tongue.
R. The just one shall live on your holy mountain, O Lord.
Who harms not his fellow man, nor takes up a reproach against his neighbor; By whom the reprobate is despised, while he honors those who fear the LORD.
R. The just one shall live on your holy mountain, O Lord.
Who lends not his money at usury and accepts no bribe against the innocent. He who does these things shall never be disturbed.
R. The just one shall live on your holy mountain, O Lord.
ALLELUIA
Matthew 5:16
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
GOSPEL
Luke 8:16-18
Jesus said to the crowd:
“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.”
REFLECTIONS:
What does the image of light and a lamp tell us about
God's kingdom? Lamps in the ancient world served a vital function, much
like they do today. They enable people to see and work in the dark and
to avoid stumbling. The Jews also understood "light" as an expression of
the inner beauty, truth, and goodness of God. In his light we see light
( Psalm 36:9). His word is a lamp that guides our steps (Psalm 119:105).
God's grace not only illumines the darkness in our lives, but it also fills
us with spiritual light, joy, and peace. Jesus used the image of a lamp
to describe how his disciples are to live in the light of his truth and
love. Just as natural light illumines the darkness and enables one to see
visually, so the light of Christ shines in the hearts of believers
and enables us to see the heavenly reality of God's kingdom. In fact, our
mission is to be light-bearers of Christ so that others may see
the truth of the gospel and be freed from the blindness of sin and deception.
Jesus remarks that nothing can remain hidden or secret. We can try to
hide things from others, from ourselves, and from God. How tempting to
shut our eyes from the consequences of our sinful ways and bad habits,
even when we know what those consequences are. And how tempting to hide
them from others and even from God. But, nonetheless, everything is known
to God who sees all. There is great freedom and joy for those who live
in God's light and who seek his truth. Those who listen to God and heed
his voice will receive more from him abundance of wisdom, guidance, peace,
and blessing. Do you know the joy and freedom of living in God's light?
"Lord Jesus, you guide me by the light of your saving truth. Fill my
heart and mind with your light and truth and free me from the blindness
of sin and deception that I may see your ways clearly and understand your
will for my life. May I radiate your light and truth to others in word and deed."
No comments:
Post a Comment