Lamp


REFLECTIONS TODAY

Gird your loins

In the Gospel parable, the lamp, taken together with “light” and “lampstand,” expresses a symbolic power. It is the localization of light which symbolizes life, as opposed to death which is the realm of darkness. The lamp with light can also symbolize divine presence, the law, or works of righteousness. In the parable, the lamp symbolizes the prophetic word—the saving and transforming light that Jesus brings, which the disciples will bring to men and women. 


If the light is meant to refer to Jesus and his message, then it is implied that the message that is “hidden” and “in secret” at the moment will be ultimately revealed and proclaimed to all. For the moment, the understanding of the disciples about Jesus and his teaching are not clear; oftentimes they fail to understand. But the mystery of the reign of God is in the process of coming to full revelation. The mysterious ways of God manifested in a crucified Messiah will be made clear. And the disciples are entrusted to proclaim this to the world. Just as it is absurd to hide a lamp under a bushel basket, so it is unthinkable that the disciples keep the Good News to themselves. 


Light and darkness continue to battle in our own days. Do you light even just a little candle so that you and people around you may not stumble in the dark?

 

First Reading • Heb 10:19-25 


Brothers and sisters: Since through the Blood of Jesus we have confidence of entrance into the sanctuary by the new and living way he opened for us through the veil, that is, his flesh, and since we have “a great priest over the house of God,” let us approach with a sincere heart and in absolute trust, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed in pure water. Let us hold unwaveringly to our confession that gives us hope, for he who made the promise is trustworthy. We must consider how to rouse one another to love and good works. We should not stay away from our assembly, as is the custom of some, but encourage one another, and this all the more as you see the day drawing near.

 

Responsorial Psalm • 1 Chr 24 
 

“Lord, this is the people that longs to see your face.”

 

Gospel • Mk 4:21-25 


Jesus said to his disciples, “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.”

Source: “365 Days with the Lord 2025,” St. Paul’s, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 632-895-9701; E-mail: publishing@stpauls.ph; Website: http://www.stpauls.ph.