Gospel
Luke 8:16-18
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.”
Sermon
My brothers and sisters in Christ, today's Gospel reminds us that our faith is not meant to be hidden, but shared with others. Jesus uses the powerful imagery of a lamp to illustrate this point.
A lamp is meant to illuminate, to shine its light for all to see. It's not meant to be concealed or hidden under a bed. Similarly, our faith is not meant to be private or secretive.
Jesus calls us to place our faith on a lampstand, for all to see. This means living our faith openly, authentically, and boldly.
But what does it mean to "place our faith on a lampstand"? It means:
- Sharing our testimony with others
- Living our values and principles in the public sphere
- Being a beacon of hope in a world filled with darkness
- Embodying the love and compassion of Christ
Jesus also warns us, "Take care, then, how you hear." How we receive and respond to God's message is crucial.
To those who are open and receptive, more will be given. But to those who are closed or indifferent, even what they have will be taken away.
This is a call to spiritual vigilance. Are we truly listening to God's word? Are we allowing it to transform our lives?
The consequences of our response are clear. If we hide our faith, we risk losing it. But if we share it boldly, we will receive more.
Let us shine the light of our faith for all to see.
Prayer
Let us pray: + In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Almighty, merciful, and loving God, we thank you for the gift of faith, a light that shines in the darkness.
Help us to boldly share our testimony with others, living our faith openly and authentically.
Give us the courage to place our faith on a lampstand, for all to see, and to be a beacon of hope in a world filled with darkness.
We pray for spiritual receptivity and openness, that we may truly listen to your word and allow it to transform our lives.
Guide us in living our values and principles in the public sphere, embodying the love and compassion of Christ.
Protect us from hiding our faith, and instead, empower us to shine brightly for your glory.
We pray for your church to be a shining light, guiding others to your love and redemption.
Thank you for the promise that to those who are open and receptive, more will be given.
In Jesus' most holy name we pray, Amen.
Peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you,
Rev. Fr. Jhimerson Maneclang,SCJ