(Optional Memorial for Saint Januarius, Bishop and Martyr)
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| “Light of the World” by William Holman Hunt, c. 1850s |
Commentary:
Reading 1: Proverbs 3:27-34
Commentary on Prv 3:27-34
The fourth lesson in the book of Proverbs provides us with supports and clarifications to the Law of Moses. These verses, which are intended to direct the faithful to grow in holiness, stress service to God through kindness and service to one’s neighbor. Going further, the author enjoins the faithful not to envy the wicked, but to abhor that which God has deemed wicked. Those who act in arrogance or wickedness, say the Proverbs, will not find friendship with God, but will feel his punishment. The author closes the passage with assurance that the humble will find favor with God (see also 1 Peter 5:5-7; James 4:7-10).
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Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 15:2-3a, 3bc-4ab, 5
R. (1) The just one shall live on your holy mountain, O Lord.
Commentary on Ps 15:2-3a, 3bc-4ab, 5
Psalm 15 is a Jewish form of examination of conscience. These verses record the response of the Temple representative when asked what virtues are appropriate in the eyes of God. The response lauds the person who follows the “Law,” specifically the Hebrew laws that warn against slander or false accusations. In the second strophe it honors the person who does no violence against another. And finally, in the last strophe, we are told that the person who does not charge interest on a loan (usury) is also uplifted.
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Gospel: Luke 8:16-18
Commentary on Lk 8:16-18
In this saying of Jesus from St. Luke’s Gospel, the disciples are enjoined once more to share their understanding of God's Kingdom, the Good News they are given, with the world. The metaphor, in this instance, sees the light of their understanding multiplying itself. The greater the understanding of the light, by the person so enlightened, the more responsibility the one to whom that gift is given has for passing it on. Luke concludes, contrasting the disciples with the unbelievers who will not accept the light.
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Reflection:
There are a number of reasons to reflect upon God’s word recorded in Sacred Scripture. Chief among these is to get to understand the mind of Christ and the will of God. This effort increases our faith, and brings us peace in this life and eternal joy in the next. A second and equally compelling reason to delve into the Bible is to be able to understand how we are expected to act in responding to Christ’s commandments and the will of God as we go about our daily lives.
We meditate upon these passages and recall how we have either failed to respond appropriately or have succeeded in bringing Christ glory through our actions on his behalf. In St. Luke’s Gospel today, Jesus tells his disciples that they must take the “good news” into the world, that what they have been given is not some private knowledge or some secret to be guarded. They are called to tell anyone who will listen, likening the word to light in the darkness, or a fire that will light the night.
Coupled, as it is today with the Proverbs’ injunction to serve our neighbors, dealing fairly with them and forgiving them for any transgressions, the act of taking God’s word to the world means acting upon what we have learned. In a very pragmatic way, we are called to be light to the world through how we interact with it, and in which night constantly tries to rule. Just as living in Christ’s light is difficult for us, so the struggle between love and hate is constantly being waged in the world around us.
The message for us today is one of the basics. We are called to be a light for the world. Reflecting upon the great love that stimulated Jesus’ call, how can we not respond with all our hearts? We pray, especially, that our actions will be that light, and those who meet us today will see it and be inflamed by the love we show them.
Pax
[1] The picture today is “Light of the World” by William Holman Hunt, c. 1850s
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