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.”
New Revised Standard Version, copyright 1989, by the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. USCCB approved. http://www.usccb.org/bible/approved-translations
Twenty three years ago this week I arrived in Washington D.C. to attend a weekend Labor Conference. As I stepped up to the hotel’s front desk and gave my name, a beaming smile came across the receptionist’s face. She practically shouted “Oh, I love giving these types of messages!” She then proceeded to read a message left for me: “My name is Kathleen Eleanor and I arrived at 9:45 AM weighing 7 pounds 3 ounces”. My niece and goddaughter had been born! I can still recall vividly the joy with which that receptionist shared, and with which I received, that exciting news. I then proceeded to enthusiastically share my news with everyone I met that day. The joy I felt seemed to demand it.
As I read the Gospel passage for today this story came to mind. We Christians are recipients of the Good News, and there has not been more joyful news ever given to the human family. Do we witness to that Gospel with joy, or do we downplay it in order to not offend, or alienate, or seem foolish? The warning in today’s Gospel seems to foreshadow our fate if we forget to light our lamp. The joy we have will multiply to the extent that we share the reason for our joy and likewise our joy will diminish and eventually become extinguished if we choose not to share it.
How can I witness today to the joy that is ours as Christians, the joy that comes from being a child of God?
—Judy Henry McMullan earned a Master of Divinity degree from the Boston College School of Theology and Ministry (formerly Weston Jesuit School of Theology). She currently teaches Theology at Archbishop Williams High School in Braintree, MA
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. —Romans 13:15
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Ignatian spirituality reminds us that God pursues us in the routines of our home and work life, and in the hopes and fears of life's challenges. The founder of the Jesuits, Saint Ignatius of Loyola, created the Spiritual Exercises to deepen our relationship with Christ and to move our contemplation into service. May this prayer site anchor your day and strengthen your resolve to remember what truly matters.
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