Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

“Is a lamp brought in to be put under a bushel, or under a bed, and not on a stand?” In today’s Gospel reading (Mark 4:21-25), Jesus tells us the story of the lamp. The lamp symbolizes the Word of God. He challenges us by asking us what we do with the lamp. The lamp provides light so we can see through the darkness in this world. The light enables us to avoid trouble and find our way. It illuminates the pathway. When we are given the lamp, do we shield it from others or do we set it out for all to see? Not only does the light provide us safety and security, it is there to provide safety for others. Jesus tells us, “For there is nothing hid, except to be made manifest; nor is anything secret, except to come to light.” If we place a bucket over the light, it will still be visible around the rim. It is impossible to fully contain the light and not let it shine. Jesus is calling us to proclaim the word, not hide it. No matter how much we try to avoid it, it will get out. Eventually the light of Christ will fully illuminate all of the world. The question is “Will we like what the light reveals?”

The Gospel reading goes on to say that the Word of God is a treasure. This part of the reading is an extension of yesterday’s parable of the seed. He who sows the Word of God will be given more grace and will yield more fruit. But he who does not sow the seeds, will become more and more impoverished. Without the fruits of the seed, how will we feed ourselves? I think we are weakest when we push Christ out of our life. Our spiritual life suffers and so does our personal life. When we are filled with the power of the Holy Spirit, it radiates from us. If we pollute our bodies with material possessions and unrighteous acts and thoughts, we diminish the gift of grace given to us by God. Christ tells us, “from him who has not, even what he has will be taken away.” Evil is disruptive and destructive. Evil is soul cancer. Fortunately, there is a cure; prayer, fasting and almsgiving. These are the three pillars of Lent. The more we practice these three things, the more grace that is poured into our lives. We become enriched with the spirit of God.

A Simple Prayer

Lord God, you are the light of the world.

You make all things visible through your love and compassion.

May I become a beacon of your light to lead others to your table.

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon