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Jesus said to his disciples, “Is a lamp brought in to be placed
under a bushel basket or under a bed, and not to be placed on a
lampstand? For there is nothing hidden except to be made visible;
nothing is secret except to come to light. Anyone who has ears to
hear ought to hear.” Mark 4:21–23
What guides your life? What influences your decisions? Many are
motivated by worldly desires, such as wealth or status. Others seek
fulfillment in fleeting pleasures. Some take their inspiration from
cultural icons or those deemed successful by society. But as
Christians, we are called to draw our inspiration and motivation
from one source: the Light of God’s Truth.
In today’s Gospel, the lamp symbolizes Christ Himself, Who
illuminates our minds and guides our decisions, just as a lamp
lights up a dark room. A lamp cannot fulfill its purpose if it is
hidden under a bushel basket or bed. Similarly, Christ must
enlighten every aspect of our lives and shine forth in our words,
deeds, and witness to others.
If the lamp symbolizes Christ, Who is divine Truth, then the
lampstand represents the means by which we elevate and share that
Truth. Though God, His grace, and the Truth of the Gospel are the
light, that light comes to us in various ways. Our first goal as
Christians is to make sure that God’s Light is the center of our
lives. This means that when questions arise in our lives, we turn
first to the Light as the one and only Source of Truth and
guidance. We do this by turning to the Scriptures, the Catechism,
the lives of the saints, and the inspiration of other holy
people.
Just as a lampstand supports and elevates a lamp, it also provides
a firm foundation, ensuring the light remains steady and visible
even amid the winds of life’s challenges. Similarly, prayer,
sacraments, and good works help stabilize the Light of Truth in our
lives, enabling it to shine brightly and consistently.
Once our lives are enlightened and we clearly see the path God has
chosen for us, we naturally begin to radiate that light to others.
This is the essence of evangelization. By our daily prayer,
sacramental life, acts of charity, and courage in witnessing to the
Gospel, we become the lampstand that lifts high the Light of
Christ. As others encounter that light through our example, they
too are invited to draw closer to its Source, allowing the Truth of
the Gospel to illuminate their lives.
Sometimes we can struggle in our efforts to evangelize. When we
encounter others who express no interest in the Gospel, it is
tempting to remain silent and cover up the Light of Christ. But
that leaves others in darkness. The evil one often deceives us into
thinking that we shouldn’t act as a lampstand for the Light of
Christ if others prefer the darkness. We might fear offending them
or sounding “holier than thou!” This is a dangerous trap.
Charity demands evangelization. All people need Christ in their
lives, even if they do not know it or are hostile to Christ’s
light. If you struggle being a lampstand for Christ, reflect on
Jesus’ next words: “For there is nothing hidden except to be made
visible; nothing is secret except to come to light.” In other
words, we all will stand one day before the judgment seat of Christ
when every hidden thought and action will come to light, visible to
us and all who stand before Christ at the Final Judgment. On that
day, will we regret having done everything possible to be a
lampstand for Christ’s light to others? Certainly not. Instead, we
will rejoice in every effort we made, even if our words and actions
seemed futile. The light we shine might not immediately brighten
someone else’s path. Yet, like seeds planted in the soil, it has
the potential to grow and bear fruit in God’s perfect
timing.
Reflect today on whether you have allowed fear, complacency, or
self-doubt to hide the light of Christ in your life. Consider the
people God has placed in your path who need His light but have not
yet encountered it through you. Resolve to be a lampstand for
Christ, courageously and lovingly lifting His truth high for all to
see.
Jesus, Light of the World, You came to reveal Yourself as the
Truth that sets all people free and the Light Who dispels all
darkness. Please shine brightly in my life and be my guide always
so that I, in turn, may act as an instrument upon which You rest
and shine forth in the lives of others. Jesus, I trust in You.
Image: Andreas F. Borchert, CC BY-SA 3.0 DE, via Wikimedia
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