Readings for Monday of the Twenty-fifth Week in Ordinary Time[1][2]
Readings from the Jerusalem Bible
Commentary:
Reading 1 Ez 1:1-6
The beginning of the Book of Ezra tells the story of the Hebrew return from exile and the instruction to build a temple in Jerusalem. From the beginning it is clear that this effort was communal. Along with Nehemiah, 1 and 2 Chronicles, this book is the first in the Hebrew canon.
Responsorial Psalm Ps 126:1b-2ab, 2cd-3, 4-5, 6
R. The Lord has done marvels for us.
Psalm 126 is a communal lament. It recalls the restoration of Israel after the exile and the difficult work necessary, the event referred to in the first reading from Ezra.
Gospel Lk 8:16-18
In this saying of Jesus from St. Luke’s Gospel the disciples are enjoined once more to share what they are given with the world. The metaphor, in this instance, sees the light multiplying it self and the greater the understanding of the light the more responsibility of the one to which that gift is given for passing it on. Contrasted with the disciples are the unbelievers who will not accept the light.
Reflection:
The image of light in darkness is one familiar to the practicing Christian. The gift of illumination is one prayed for constantly since it is the only way we can understand what we are called to do and be. It is our actions, the result of the interior illumination, that are shown to the world. It is our actions that flow from that light the Lord speaks of when he says “No one who lights a lamp conceals it with a vessel or sets it under a bed”.
In the case of the disciples the light (of Christ) was spread throughout the civilized world. Those who lived in darkness and hated the light tried to extinguish the light. They killed those disciples (except St. John) and on numerous occasions tried to kill all those who had inherited the light from them.
But the light continues, it buns brightly in those who receive it and enlightens others in their words and actions. It will not be denied an outlet, no matter how hard the one who caries the light tries to hide it, it will become visible. It is with great joy that we who love and live the light see it arise in places unexpected, in people we thought were devoid of the light. It is with greater sorrow that we find darkness where we expected to find light, in those who speak the words but whose actions betray the darkness inside.
That is the true nature of the Light of Christ. It is not in the words alone. It is only revealed when it is acted upon. It only illuminates when it is handed on to others. Then the amazing thing happens. The light we hand on comes back to us and we see yet more clearly. That was what the Lord meant when he said “To anyone who has, more will be given”.
Readings from the Jerusalem Bible
Commentary:
Reading 1 Ez 1:1-6
The beginning of the Book of Ezra tells the story of the Hebrew return from exile and the instruction to build a temple in Jerusalem. From the beginning it is clear that this effort was communal. Along with Nehemiah, 1 and 2 Chronicles, this book is the first in the Hebrew canon.
Responsorial Psalm Ps 126:1b-2ab, 2cd-3, 4-5, 6
R. The Lord has done marvels for us.
Psalm 126 is a communal lament. It recalls the restoration of Israel after the exile and the difficult work necessary, the event referred to in the first reading from Ezra.
Gospel Lk 8:16-18
In this saying of Jesus from St. Luke’s Gospel the disciples are enjoined once more to share what they are given with the world. The metaphor, in this instance, sees the light multiplying it self and the greater the understanding of the light the more responsibility of the one to which that gift is given for passing it on. Contrasted with the disciples are the unbelievers who will not accept the light.
Reflection:
The image of light in darkness is one familiar to the practicing Christian. The gift of illumination is one prayed for constantly since it is the only way we can understand what we are called to do and be. It is our actions, the result of the interior illumination, that are shown to the world. It is our actions that flow from that light the Lord speaks of when he says “No one who lights a lamp conceals it with a vessel or sets it under a bed”.
In the case of the disciples the light (of Christ) was spread throughout the civilized world. Those who lived in darkness and hated the light tried to extinguish the light. They killed those disciples (except St. John) and on numerous occasions tried to kill all those who had inherited the light from them.
But the light continues, it buns brightly in those who receive it and enlightens others in their words and actions. It will not be denied an outlet, no matter how hard the one who caries the light tries to hide it, it will become visible. It is with great joy that we who love and live the light see it arise in places unexpected, in people we thought were devoid of the light. It is with greater sorrow that we find darkness where we expected to find light, in those who speak the words but whose actions betray the darkness inside.
That is the true nature of the Light of Christ. It is not in the words alone. It is only revealed when it is acted upon. It only illuminates when it is handed on to others. Then the amazing thing happens. The light we hand on comes back to us and we see yet more clearly. That was what the Lord meant when he said “To anyone who has, more will be given”.
Each one of us is given that light in Baptism. The flame of faith is lit off the Easter Candle, the new fire, the light of Christ and the gift of the Holy Spirit. In some that candle is not encouraged to keep burning. Through lack of care, it is snuffed out. Who would hold up an unlit candle in the darkness? It is only the candle lit with the flame of faith that lights the path. Let us pray today that we pass on that light faithfully and extend the flame where the fire has died.
Pax
[1] After Links to Readings Expire
[2] The picture used today is Lily of the Light and Morning Star, Philipp Otto Runge, 1808
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