Readings for Monday September 20, 2010
Memorial of Saint Andrew Kim Taegŏn, priest and martyr, and Saint Paul Chŏng Hasang, martyr, and their companions, martyrs
First Reading: Proverbs 3:27-34
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 15
Gospel: 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." (Lk 8:16-18)
Most of us are familiar with the children's song "This little light of mine." In case you have never heard it or forget the words, here are some of the lyrics to help jog your memory: "This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine... Hide it under a bush. No! I'm gonna let it shine...Don't let Satan blow it out, I'm gonna let it shine...Let it shine till Jesus comes, I'm gonna let it shine." Obviously these aren't all of the lyrics, but it does give us a good feel for the song. I believe that this is a great song to teach our children (as well as adults). While it is a simple song, it really speaks to our roles as Christians. One of our roles is to "let our light shine." Who is the source of this light? Jesus of course! He is the source of all love and all that is good. He is the light, the truth and the way. If we have Christ in us, then His light is in us. If we cooperate with His grace and allow Him to work in our lives, then not only will we be faithful servants, but His light will shine through us as an example for all to see and follow.
But most of the time this is easier said than done. Many times, we do not cooperate with the grace we are given, thereby not allowing our light to shine. How many times do we turn our head to those in need? How many times do we not stand up for people or things? How many times do we hold back for fear of what others might do or say to us? Many times we are afraid to do the works that we should and to allow Christ's light to shine through us. It is so difficult when we are out in the world and are constantly challenged to truly let our light shine, because we know that the world and the evil one are just waiting to blow it out.
Jesus knew this would be a problem for us. That is why when He speaks to us today in the gospel He tells us; “No one who lights a lamp conceals it with a vessel or sets it under a bed; rather, he places it on a lamp stand so that those who enter may see the light." We must remember this example always. As Jesus said, when a lamp is lit, it doesn't make any since to hide it, you put it out for all to see. As faithful Christians, we have a responsibility to let the light of our Lord and Savior shine through us. In the first reading from proverbs today we are given great wisdom in how to let our light shine. We are told to not delay or hold back the goodness that we can do each time we have the opportunity. If we see someone who needs help, let us help them at that moment and not just wait for the next time. If we see trash laying around or a mess that needs cleaned up, then we should clean it up and not just wait for the next opportunity.
Opportunities to let the light of Christ shine through pass us by constantly. Are you being aware of these moments, or are you like most people so wrapped up in what is going on in your world that you are missing these opportunities? I know that for me it is a constant struggle to keep my eyes and ears open, but I know that when I do I can help make a difference, and let the light of Jesus shine through.
May the light of Christ shine through each of us!
Father above, we thank you and praise you for the gift of this day. Lord, thank you for the many gift that you have blessed us with; help us to be good stewards of all that you give. Lord, give us the courage and strength that we need to live this life for you and to let our lights shine bright in this world. Lord, you are our God, our rock, our salvation; help us to never stray from your good and Holy path. We ask this all through Christ our Lord. Amen.
As an adult, I have always looked at the song, "This Little Light of Mine," as a children's song. Never really thought about the words or it's meaning. As I attended the FEST a few years ago with my girlfriend, I met in 6th grade in a catholic school, this was the theme for that year. At the end of mass, the choir sang,"This Little Light of Mine", the music so grabbing at your heart that this thing happened....I got it! It all came together that the song actually had meaning. It hit me like a ton of bricks. We are all here to serve each other but we are the light of the world. WE can make a difference and you have to maintain that light to keep it going. Why do we want to hide it? We should be proud that we even have a light as some people have let theirs dim. It's amazing at something so simple can mean so much. As the Beatitudes are a short, compact reading, there is so much going on for you to keep your light going and not to hide it under a bowl.
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