In today’s Gospel Our Lord teaches us that we’re meant to shine. He begins by describing the absurdity of covering up a lamp, which goes contrary to its purpose. The higher a source of light, and the better it is positioned, the more it shines and fulfills its purpose. For a Christians to shine like we must not only try for the moral high ground, but also strive for holiness, a holiness that spurs us to give witness to the source of our light: Christ.
A light also draws attention, so if someone tries to cover a light it can be because they are trying not to avoid attention. Our Lord speaks about how we measure out our Christian living: if we give it all, he’ll constantly renew us, but if we shutter up the light he’s given us, only letting it peek out of a few cracks, eventually the light will be gone altogether. He is our light and his light never wanes.
Our faith, especially our awareness of how much Our Lord loves us, can be a blazing light in our lives and in the lives of others. Let’s share it as the greatest treasure we own.
Readings: Hebrews 10:19–25; Psalm 24:1–6; Mark 4:21–25.
