[ Today's Readings ]
Receiving the word is like planting a side deep within ourselves. But it is also like having a lamp lit that can't be buried or hidden. What's this deal? Aren't these opposite extremes? No, because the seed transforms us all the way from the inside out. The flower eventually breaks through the soil. We are not meant to hide the gift we receive even though we must make it so central that circumstances cannot uproot it. We must make sure that the flame is not extinguished. We must not only set it on display but fan the flame (see Second Timothy 1:6).
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.
We are called to be a light to those in darkness. We have a gift without which those around us stumble. It is time to take responsibility for this by sharing it as freely as we can. We shouldn't be embarrassed about it. We shouldn't be afraid of people finding out. One day the truth of all hearts will be revealed. To the degree that we welcome this light we have nothing of which to be ashamed. This is the light that casts out the darkness!
The light does not make us proud but rather humble for it is not our own. It does not make us self-centered or prideful. The light is magnified as we do good to one another.
Refuse no one the good on which he has a claim
when it is in your power to do it for him.
Say not to your neighbor, “Go, and come again,
tomorrow I will give,” when you can give at once.
There is no negative repercussions to letting this light shine even though it sometimes seem like there would be. It sometimes seems frightening. But it is only the dark spots of pride that resist it.
He who does these things
shall never be disturbed.
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