Bearing Light to the World

Today’s gospel begins with Jesus saying, “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.”

If we buy a lamp, we do not hide it under the bed.  That would be contrary to the purpose of the lamp.  Likewise, if we have a small lamp, we don’t put it on the floor.  We put it on a lampstand to lift the light up to where it can be seen and bring light to the world.

On Sunday, the Book of the Gospels is carried in the opening procession for Mass.  It is not carried under the arm and hanging down the side of the deacon or lector carrying it.  Rather, they hold it up to be seen by all.  It contains the words of Jesus and the story of his life on the world.  Jesus is the light of the world and his word must be held up and revered.

How do you carry the Word of God in your life?  When I say “carry” I don’t literally mean how do you carry a Bible.  Although, if you do carry a Bible with you, how you carry it might say something about how you look at the Word of God.  Rather, when I refer to carrying the Word of God in your life, I am referring to how you show your faith in public.

For instance, when you are in a restaurant for a meal, do you say grace before eating?  Some people say they feel uncomfortable praying then because people are looking at them.  That is the best time to pray!  Let others see you pray.  To go a step further, I think of the people who go out for coffee or breakfast after Mass.  What do you talk about?  Do you ever talk about what your heard at church?  Again, people might fear others are listening and they don’t want to be divisive.

Our nation is showing it divisiveness more since our last election.  Notice, I put emphasis on “showing.”  I’m not sure that our nation is becoming any more divided.  We are just showing it more because people feel more free to speak up.  We need to speak up for our faith.  The world is looking darker.  I think part of this has happened as people say that we need to allow for all types of lifestyle except that we aren’t supposed to talk about faith.  They say that’s a private matter.  So what has happened since people speak less about their faith.  The world has gotten darker.

The world needs the light of Christ.

Peace,

Fr. Jeff