Reading
Mark 4:21-25
21 He said to them, “Do you bring in a lamp to put it under a bowl or a bed? Instead, don’t you put it on its stand? 22 For whatever is hidden is meant to be disclosed, and whatever is concealed is meant to be brought out into the open. 23 If anyone has ears to hear, let them hear.”
24 “Consider carefully what you hear,” he continued. “With the measure you use, it will be measured to you—and even more. 25 Whoever has will be given more; whoever does not have, even what they have will be taken from them.”
Meditation
Jesus never considered his teaching in an elitist way; it is instead the responsibility of the disciples to announce the gospel of the kingdom to the whole world. Even when the parables are explained in private, the aim is to allow their meaning to be revealed publicly.
"The unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple." says the psalmist (Ps 119,130); and in Jesus' words echoes what God says to his people in the book of Deuteronomy: "Now what I am commanding you today is not too difficult for you or beyond your reach. It is not up in heaven, so that you have to ask, “Who will ascend into heaven to get it and proclaim it to us so we may obey it?” Nor is it beyond the sea, so that you have to ask, “Who will cross the sea to get it and proclaim it to us so we may obey it?” 14 No, the word is very near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart so you may obey it." (Dt 30:11-14).
The gospel is also a word that can be understood and put into practice by every man. Understood because it is not intended for a circle of intellectuals, but rather it can only be accepted by a humble reason. Put into practice because it is an effective word, which the Spirit brings to fulfillment in those who welcome it with faith. Those who hear the word of truth and put it into practice will receive an even greater understanding of the things of God.
As depicted in the parable of the sower, God expects a generous return from the grace he has bestowed on us. If we are faithful servants he will be a faithful teacher and will give us an even greater measure of grace. God's gifts multiply as they are used. But whoever buries the talent received will also be taken away from him (Mt 25:14-30), because he has betrayed the trust given him by the Lord.
Christ is the sun of justice, but what are we? Lamps that draw on his light and burn as long as we are given to remain in this world. A world where so many futile words overlap and so many dazzles seduce us, but the incarnate Word is a reliable word, a lamp for our steps and a light on our path (Ps 119:105). Jesus asks us not to burn for ourselves, like a lamp under the bed, but to be a light that gives itself to the world (Mt 5:14).
Prayer
In your light, Lord, we see the light; grant us to overcome the seductions of the world and to give ourselves generously to our brothers and sisters. Amen.
- Rev. Dr. Luca Vona
