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| “Lily of the Light and Morning Star” by Philipp Otto Runge, 1808 |
Commentary:
Reading 1: Ezra 1:1-6
Commentary on Ez 1:1-6
“The second book of Chronicles closed with an account of the fall of Jerusalem as a consequence of the city's repeated unfaithfulness to God (cf. 2 Chronicles 36:17-21), and with the news of Cyrus' calling, in God's name, for the rebuilding of the temple and the return of the exiles (cf. 2 Chronicles 36:22-23).” [4] 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
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Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 126:1b-2ab, 2cd-3, 4-5, 6
R. (3) The Lord has done marvels for us.
Commentary on Ps 126:1b-2ab, 2cd-3, 4-5, 6
Psalm 126 is a lament. In this short psalm, the singer rejoices at the return of Israel following the Diaspora, the conquering of Israel and its enslavement. In this hymn, the people remember the greatness of God as he restores their nation and brings them back to their own land ("Although they go forth weeping, carrying the seed to be sown, they shall come back rejoicing, carrying their sheaves"). The sense is one of being overflowing with thanksgiving.
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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 by contrasting the disciples with the unbelievers who will not accept the light.
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Reflection:
The image of light in darkness is one familiar to the practicing Christian. The gift of illumination is 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 the light. The Lord speaks of it when he says “No one who lights a lamp conceals it with a vessel or sets it under a bed.” Luke 8:16.
It was through the call of the disciples that 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
But the light continues. It burns brightly in those who receive it, and enlightens others by their words and actions. It will not be denied an outlet. No matter how hard the one who carries the light tries to hide it, it will become visible. It is with great joy that we who love and live in 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 offer to others 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 the light of Christ in Baptism. The flame of faith is lit from 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
[2] The picture is “Lily of the Light and Morning Star” by Philipp Otto Runge, 1808
[3] The readings are taken from the New American Bible with the exception of the Psalm and its response which were developed by the International Committee for English in Liturgy (ICEL). This re-publication is not authorized by USCCB and is for private use only.
[4] The Navarre Bible: “Chrnicles-Maccabees”, Scepter Publishers, Princeton , NJ
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