Gospel Reading for September 22, 2025 – Luke 8: 16-18
IN CONSONANCE
Jesus said to the crowd: “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. For there is nothing hidden that will not become visible, and nothing secret that will not be known and come to light. Take care, then, how you hear. To anyone who has, more will be given, and from the one who has not, even what he seems to have will be taken away.”
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Normally, a lamp is used when it is dark and we need to see the way so we may not stumble or step on something that shouldn’t be stepped on. A lamp is not really for others to see us, but by it, others may be able to see in the dark.
As Christians, we are lamps not to display ourselves, but lamps that share the light of Christ to the world. By our actions and by the way we live, we give light to others when they find themselves in the dark; that they may not stumble or step on something that shouldn’t be stepped on; that they may find their way to Christ through us.
This is totally different from those of us who think that by our piety and religious practices, we are the light of Christ to the world. If our piety and religious practices are IN CONSONANCE with our actions and the way we live, then we are that lamp that is placed on a lampstand to illuminate the path towards eternal life. Those of us who are chosen specifically to enlighten those in the dark have more responsibility.
Let us make this refrain from Bernadette Farrell’s song, CHRIST, BE OUR LIGHT, our prayer:
“Christ, be our light.
Shine in our hearts.
Shine through the darkness.
Christ, be our light.
Shine in Your church gathered today.”
