“Letting the ‘light of God’s Love’ shine through our life of simplicity and passionate tenderness!”

(Based on 2 Sam 7:18-19, 24-29 and Mk 4:21-25 – Thursday of the 3rd Week in Ordinary Time, Year 2)

An incident is narrated in the life of St Thomas Aquinas, whose feast we celebrated on Jan 28.

One day as St Thomas Aquinas was preaching to the local people on the love of God, he observed an old woman listening attentively to his every word.

The old woman impressed the great saint by her simplicity, attentiveness and keenness.

Inspired by her eagerness to learn more about God whom she loved so dearly, he said to the people:

“It is better to be this unlearned woman, loving God with all her heart…
… than the most learned theologian lacking love!”

The lady was able to let the “light of God’s Love” shine through her life of simplicity and passionate tenderness.

We are all invited to lead a saintly life – filled with love – and allow others to experience the Light of God’s love!

Our Christian life exhorts us to be glowing with a holy life, to let others to see the Radiance of God’s Peace!

The Gospel of the Day is an exhortation and a reminder by Jesus to become a “light to the other”

Jesus presents a simple parable, “Is a lamp brought in to be put under a bushel or under a bed and not on a stand?” (Mk 4: 21)

In Jesus’ time, homes were illuminated by small oil lamps, usually made of clay.

Archaeology from first-century Galilee shows lamps…
… with a rounded body, a central opening for olive oil
… and a narrow nozzle where a wick burned. >> Olive oil was widely produced in the region, which made these lamps common in ordinary households…
… though the oil itself was still valuable and used carefully.

Since these lamps produced a limited but steady light, their placement was essential. >> They were normally set on a lampstand, on a raised shelf, or in a niche in the wall…
… so that the light could spread across the room.

A lamp placed too low would fail to illuminate anything beyond a small area.

Covering a lit lamp with a grain basket or placing it under a bed would have been both impractical and dangerous!

Such actions would quickly smother the flame or cause damage…
…. defeating the very purpose for which the lamp was lit.

These lamps also required attention…
… the oil needed refilling
… the wick needed trimming to keep the flame steady.

Light in these ancient homes, therefore, did not work automatically!

They had to be intentionally maintained and intentionally displayed!

The Lord presents this familiar image of the lamp to remind us
… that Christian life is meant to be visible, not hidden!
… that Gospel values must be intentionally placed where they can give light!
… that even a small and fragile light, when properly set, can push back great darkness!

The world we live in is often marked by darkness and confusion.

As followers of Christ, we have the responsibility not only to possess the light…
… but to hold it high
… and not place it where it cannot be seen.

The world often stumbles into the darkness of sin and destructive choices…
… Am I willing to be a lamp, placed where it matters, drawing others toward Christ’s light by a life that is faithful, disciplined, and shaped by the Gospel?

Many people are forced to live in the shadows of guilt, shame, and suffering…
… Am I willing to be a lamp, kept burning through prayer, sacrifice and concrete acts of love, so that Christ’s light may reach those who feel forgotten or unseen?

In the Old Testament, King David humbled himself before the awesome majesty and power of God….
… recognising that his life needed the “light of God’s guidance!”

He acknowledges the Merciful Providence of God and with sincerity, sought to be led by the Lord:

“Now therefore may it please Thee to bless the house of Thy servant, that it may continue forever before Thee; for Thou, O Lord God, hast spoken, and with Thy blessing shall the house of Thy servant be blessed for ever!” (2 Sam 7:29)

When we humble ourselves before the mighty power of God, we allow “His Light” to shine through us.

Our lives become “a glowing lamp of God’s Light”…
… when we acknowledge His Great Presence in our lives and allow ourselves to be totally dependent on Him!

The Lord invites us
… not merely to possess His light, but to let it be seen through our actions and choices.
… not to conceal it within ourselves, but to allow His light to shape and illuminate our thoughts, our vision, and our way of seeing the world.

Let us understand that, “it is better to be an unlearned person, loving God with all her heart…
… than to be the most learned theologian lacking love!

And thus, may we let the “light of God’s Love” shine through our life of simplicity and passionate tenderness!

God Bless! Live Jesus!