A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke (Lk 8:16-18)
Jesus said to the crowd: “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.”
In today’s Gospel, Jesus describes what it is like to live in the light of the Gospel and give witness to it. He uses the analogy of a lamp, which is not concealed under a bed but placed on a lampstand so that anyone entering a room may see the light. Living in God’s light is the same way, and Jesus emphasizes that nothing remains hidden forever. What is hidden becomes visible; what is secret comes to light. How is it then that to anyone who has, more will be given, and from the one who lacks, even what seems in one’s possession is taken away? In the podcast Catechism in a Year, Father Mike Schmitz describes God’s gifts, that everything we have comes from him. “It’s quite possible,” Father Mike says, “that the only thing that I can point to in this entire world and say, ‘that’s mine,’ is my sin.”
God, help me understand today’s Gospel. To live in your light is to gain more; to cling to sin and keep it hidden, is to lose even the little knowledge of you that I believe I have. There is more here to consider than a few minutes of prayer can unpack. Give me the grace to listen to your word and respond to it and the courage to bring the light of the Gospel to places where truth remains hidden or obscured. Despite my failings and shadow side of sin, let me be a means of letting your superabundant grace shine through in bringing the light of Christ to others.
From the Gospel acclamation: “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father.”
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.