In today’s Gospel, Jesus talks about light, a theme and message that is spread throughout the Gospels and other places in scripture. In the first verse of the passage, Jesus says, “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” (Luke 8:16). We first received our light at Baptism. The celebrant tells the parents and Godparents that the child “is to walk always as a child of the light”. Reflecting on today’s Gospel, we are reminded that we are to be the lamp, and to live in a way so as not to conceal that light.
The light of Christ that is within us is meant to shine and fill up the space around us. It is by this light, that others can come to see and recognize Jesus and the truth of who He is. Once we read and understand the Gospel message, our lives must reveal this message to the world around us.
Oftentimes, we can say we love Jesus and are living our faith. But how true is this if our lives are not a reflection of this statement? It can be easy to cover up and conceal this reality. We don’t want to be different or to stand out, so we might sometimes not share our faith, especially in the areas that might be darkest, the areas that need it most.
What is the purpose of a lamp if it is not going to be used? If it is concealed with a vessel or under a bed, what is the point? It is the same for us. If we are not trying to reflect Christ’s light, and rather, keeping it hidden, what is the point? The light we have been given is meant to shine the truth of our faith and show who Jesus is.
The world needs Christ’s light, every space and corner must be illuminated with Him. And we are the lamps that can help to make Him visible in these spaces. My prayer for each of us is that we would allow His light to be on display in our lives today.
Faith and The Good Stuff 