19TH SEPTEMBER 2022
1ST READING: Prv 3:27-34
RESP. PSALM: Ps 15:2-3a, 3bc-4ab, 5
GOSPEL: Lk 8:16-18
DON'T LET THE FIRE DIE
In the Gospel, Jesus reminds us that our actions should be sources of light for others. It reminds us that we are the light of the world and that our duty is to receive and radiate around us Christ’s Light of love, mercy, compassion, and forgiveness. Jesus uses the analogy of light in speaking about the deeds of His disciples. Their deeds will be exposed in the light for all to see, and the actions of Jesus’ disciples should be a source of enlightenment for others. The more the disciples realize they are children of the Light, the more their actions will reflect the Light and be a source of light for others.
BE LIGHT TO THE WORLD
Lamps help people to see, move and work in the dark, and their light prevents our stumbling and falling down. For the Jews, light represented the inner beauty, truth, and goodness of God. God’s Light illumines our lives with light, celestial joy, and everlasting peace. The glory of the Lord shone around the shepherds at Bethlehem (Lk 2:9); Paul experienced the presence of God in a blinding Light (Acts 9:3; 22:6); God “dwells in inaccessible Light” (1 Tm 6:16). That is why Jesus claims to be the Light of the world (Jn. 8:12). When the Light of Christ shines in our hearts, we will be able to recognize who we are, who our neighbors are, and who God is, and to see clearly how we are related to God and our neighbors. When we live in Christ’s Light, we will not foolishly try to hide truths about ourselves from ourselves, from our neighbors, or from God. Christ’s Light will also remind us of the consequences of our loving the darkness of sinful ways and bad habits.
As “light of the world” it is our duty to remove the darkness from around us and to show others the true Light of Jesus, His ideas and ideals through our model Christian life. As vhristians, we must not let the fire of God’s love in us die, but we must keep it burning so that it can enlighten others. We need not curse the darkness but let the spark of God’s love start the flame in our hearts. We cannot be a light to others if we choose to live in the darkness and do deeds of darkness. We must let the spark of the Light get us going. Then we can pass it on. May we continue to be lights for ourselves and for others so that we will all journey towards our common destination of salvation. God bless us today, Amen
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