Friday, January 29, 2010
Hello Log.
I thought Father Brian's sermon during Mass on yesterday evening contained some valuable points to think and perhaps ponder about. I spent some time reflecting upon it, and perhaps I'd like to share my little reflection here.
Jesus said to the crowd: 'Would you bring in a lamp to put it under a tub or under the bed? Surely you will put it on the lamp-stand? For there is nothing hidden but it must be disclosed, nothing kept secret except to be brought to light. If anyone has ears to hear, let him listen to this.' He also said to them, 'Take notice of what you are hearing. The amount you measure out is the amount you will be given - and more besides; for the man who has will be given more; from the man who has not, even what he has will be taken away.'
- Mark 4:21-25
This is the Gospel passage from Mass yesterday evening.
What is the message for us in this Gospel passage?
All of us, regardless of whether we are rich or poor, young or old; all of us have a mission to be a light to the world. And this mission is no small matter; just look at the effect a tiny flame has in the darkest of places! Light shines forth to be seen; a guiding light to lead others along that same path to Christ.
"Nothing hidden but it must be disclosed, nothing kept secret except to be brought to light."
Our personal experiences of God in our lives; what have we done with them? Have we kept them within ourselves? Or have we gone all out to share it with others?
Do not be afraid!
Should we be shy of opening up and sharing the greatness of God in our lives? The answer is no. As a community now of a very mixed age and many different personalities (which is great to see), the differences should never be a barrier to sharing our experiences with one another. It is through our differences that we are strengthened. Never for one moment feel that you are insignificant, or that you have nothing to contribute. Just as a tiny flame in the darkness, each of you can go a long way in making a difference in the lives of our brothers and sisters around us. And together, imagine how much further you can go as a community!
Jesus challenges us today to share with others the saving grace that he has given. Jesus challenges us to be much brighter lights than we are. Under a tub or under the bed, we are safe. Our flames would probably never flicker out because we are sheltered. But Jesus challenges us to come out of our comfort zones, whatever they may be.
"I don't want to share because I'm afraid of what people may think of me," or "I don't want to share because I don't think my sharing's as good as this other person's."
Do not be afraid!
Jesus challenges us to face our fears head-on. To be challenged by the winds that threaten to blow our flames out once we come out onto the lamp-stand! Coming out, our flames may flicker. But this is the call to discipleship: to face rejection from the world. To undergo desert experiences just as how Jesus went through his own desert experience. For our flames to take a flickering each time we stand tall on the lamp-stand to proclaim the truth.
This, dear friends, is the challenge issued by Jesus today. Are you up to it?
M