Gospel (Lk 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. For nothing is hid that shall not be made manifest, nor anything secret that shall not be known and come to light. Take heed then how you hear; for to him who has will more be given, and from him who has not, even what he thinks that he has will be taken away.”

Commentary

Jesus’ parable in today’s Gospel passage is easy to understand. We Christians are called to carry in our heart the light of Christ, “the true light that enlightens every man” (Jn 1:9). Christians can bring light to the dark places of this world with their life. But to prevent this light from being snuffed out, we need to pay close attention, to “hear” well, opening our heart to God’s word and always being willing to be a light for others.

That light was already lit at our baptism. That day God gave us the light of faith, and we were made “children of the light.” It was the brightest day of our lives. The priest said to our parents and godparents, as he handed them a lit candle: “Receive the light of Christ.” By doing so the Church invites us to spread that light. It would make no sense for the One with such a powerful light for the world as God made Man to remain hidden, unknown to people. Yet how many of us Christians still shine so little with our lives, with the example of our good works, with our friendly words! We need to ask God every day to increase the light of faith in us so that our example and words may move others, never giving in to the darkness of discouragement.

“If you say that a Christian cannot help others, you have insulted God and called Him a liar. It is easier for the sun not to give warmth or shine than for Christians not to shed light. It is easier for light to be darkness than for this to happen.”^[1] God wants each Christian to be a torch that illuminates the Path, that shows others the Truth, that points to the true Life. Thus we need to strive to remove from our life every obstacle that diminishes the luminosity of the Gospel.

^[1] Saint John Chrysostom, Homilies on the Gospel of Saint Matthew, no. 15.