Mark 4:21-25

He said to them, “Is a lamp brought in to be placed under a bushel basket or under a bed, and not to be placed on a lampstand? For there is nothing hidden except to be made visible; nothing is secret except to come to light. Anyone who has ears to hear ought to hear.” He also told them, “Take care what you hear. The measure with which you measure will be measured out to you, and still more will be given to you. To the one who has, more will be given; from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away.”

Opening Prayer: Lord Jesus, you are the light of the world. Please be my light. Bless me with the gifts of prudence and fortitude so that I might proclaim the Gospel with wisdom and courage.

Encountering Christ:

1. Jesus Is the Light: Jesus, the lamp, is “the light of the world” (John 8:12). God the Father did not send this light to us to be hidden. No, the light must be held up high and shine forth so that all people may be illuminated by it. We are called to make Jesus visible to the world through our acts of love and works of mercy. The love we show to others and the good works that we offer manifest the love of God in the world. Taking a meal to a new mother, sending a card to lift the spirits of a struggling friend, or offering to pray with someone in need of God’s loving direction are all simple ways to let the light of Christ shine.

2. Bearers of the Lampstand: During his Passion, the Christ Light was placed high upon the lampstand of the Cross. There are many people in our everyday lives who do not truly know the love of God or the joy of the Gospel. People in our workplaces, schools, and even in our own homes long for the warmth of Christ’s light. Those of us who know and love God have a responsibility to share the love of Christ to those who have not experienced him. Lord, grant us the courage to bear the lampstand of the Cross and “proclaim Christ crucified” (1 Corinthians 1:23).

3. Pouring out God’s Gifts: Jesus reminds us that what we “measure out” to others will be “measured out” to us. As bearers of the Christ Light, we are called to receive and be filled with mercy, forgiveness, and love from God and then pour it out to others. The more we offer these heavenly gifts to others, the more God will return that mercy, forgiveness, and love back to us. As we plead in the Our Father, “forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us.”

Conversing with Christ: Jesus, you are light itself, and what a beautiful light you are! Fill me with your light. Help me come to you in the Sacrament of Reconciliation so that I can empty out the darkness within me. Bless me with your perfect light so that I can bring it to others. Pour your love into my heart, help me empty it out for others, and then come back to you to be filled again.

Resolution: Lord, today, by your grace, I will look for an opportunity to bear the light of Christ to a family member or friend by offering them mercy, forgiveness, or love.