Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint 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.”
Nothing Is Hidden
1. A lamp. We all have the task of bringing light to this world. Christians are meant to be a lamp for the world. You’re a lamp, and there is light inside you – I’m sure of that. Don’t let the light God gave you to help illuminate go out. Even if the lamp is dirty, it still illuminates. Maybe less brightly, but it still does. Don’t let the winds knock you down and put out the presence of God within you. Discover God’s presence within you.
2. A vessel. Some things can hide your light. These are the things that take away your uniqueness and make you forget who you are. We could talk about a few different kinds of “vessels” or bowls. There’s the vessel who’s that person who won’t let you grow or be yourself, who wants to put out your fire not because you’re doing anything wrong, but simply because they don’t like who you are. Try to distance yourself from these people, who only seek to destroy you. There’s also the occasional vessel – moments when it feels like you’re buried and have nothing to contribute to the world, when everything seems to be falling apart because of an accident or a difficult situation. And there’s the psychological vessel when you convince yourself that you no longer have light, that you can’t do anything. It’s your mind playing tricks. If you believe you have no light and can’t do anything, your life will become very difficult. But I know you can shine.
3. To have. There is something new and alive in this world, and it’s you. Don’t forget who you are and where you come from. You have your future in your hands. You know yourself and your limits. You know the mistakes you’ve made, and you must accept them. You are in this world to make your contribution and to keep moving forward. Have faith, because you are light.
Remember that something good is on the way!
God bless you and be with you in the name of the Father, of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
