Readings: Ezra 1:1-6, Ps. 126, Luke 8:16-18
“No one after lighting a lamp covers it with a vessel or puts it under a bed, but puts it on a stand, that those who enter may see the light. Nothing is hidden that shall not be made manifest, nor anything secret that shall not be known and come to the light.” (Luke 8:16-17)
In Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus said, “You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hidden. After lighting a lamp, no one puts it under the bushel basket but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven. (Matthew 5:14-16).
The type of light in this analogy is the oil lamp. Any attempt to hide the lamp without first quenching it could be fatal. This means that, as Christians, if we are not making any impact in our society, it is because our light has been quenched. We are only pretending to shine. Jesus says, “Nothing is hidden that shall not be made manifest.” (Matthew 10:26). Whatever we have tried to hide will someday come to light.
When faced with a temptation, it will do us well to say this phrase repeatedly: “I am light; I cannot hide.” Indeed, as St. Paul says, the safest life is to “live in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.” (Philippians 1:27). Never forget that you are a light. Let your actions be louder than your words; correct the wrongs of society by doing what is right. It is not enough to condemn evil; we must promote righteousness through our words, thoughts and deeds.
A light does not quarrel with darkness; it simply dispels it by shining. Today, Christians go on social media to rant about all the evils going on in society, forgetting that the only way to eliminate such evils is by championing a culture of goodness. Recently, I read an article by a priest on the concept of “soft power”. The priest spoke of the economics of social media.
In the words of Fr. Anetor, “In our hyper-immersive media culture, nudity gets likes. Indecency gets shares. Provocative videos go viral faster than anything wholesome. This is simple economics: demand increases supply. If we didn’t give attention, the trend would fade. We cannot scream about a problem we continue to fuel with our double standards. If the internet is a marketplace of influence, then we, yes, you and me, are often the customers. Our views, comments, likes, DMs, and “harmless” reposts all become currency in the economy of soft power.”
If you genuinely hate darkness, then don’t promote it indirectly by sharing it on your space. Be bold enough to block such content creators. Like, share, and follow those whose content aligns with your Christian beliefs and virtues. Make holiness go viral by creating contents that depict holiness. Let your light shine not only publicly but even in your most secret place. It is hypocritical to condemn pornographic content in public only to feast on such content in “private mode.” As long as there is a market for darkness, it will continue to spread like fire.
Today’s first reading highlights God’s active control over history. It shows that God can use even a non-believer like King Cyrus to accomplish His divine plans. If we Christians fail to let our light shine, God will raise “stones” – non-believers – to accomplish God’s plans. (cf. Luke 19:40). Isn’t it a shame that traditional worshippers are now making a mockery of how Christians dress to church?
As God stirred the heart of Cyrus to let the Israelites return to rebuild their nation, God is calling you today to champion the movement for the restoration of the Christian identity in a world where Christians (and even the “men of God”) have quenched their lights. You are not too small to lead the change. A forest only needs a spark to burn. Be that spark today.
Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, ever-living God, help us to remain conscious of our identity as lamps in our dark world. We ask this through Our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever. Amen.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. May God’s abundant blessings be upon us all. (Monday of week 25 in Ordinary Time, Liturgical Colour: Green. Bible Study: Ezra 1:1-6, Ps. 126, Luke 8:16-18)
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu