Reflection: Mark 4:21-25

Thursday of the Third Week in Ordinary Time – Mark 4:21-25

In today’s Gospel, Jesus continues his preaching by using metaphors.  He asks his disciples, “Is a lamp brought to be placed under a bushel basket or put under a bed?  Shouldn’t a lamp be placed on a lampstand so the light will fill the room?”  Jesus then says, “There is nothing hidden that will not be made visible.  And there is nothing secret that will not come to light.” 

Jesus tells his listeners, “Anyone who has ears ought to hear.”  Then he adds, “Take care what you hear.”  Jesus also warns his disciples, “The measure with which you measure will be measured out to you.  And still more will be given to you.  To those who have more, more will be given them.  And for the one who has not, what s/he has will be taken away.”

Jesus uses the image of a lamp and light to describe who the disciples are to be to the world.  They are to be light for the world.  Jesus also calls each of us to be light in our world.  Now take a moment and ask yourself, “How do I shed light in the world?”  Most likely many of the ways we strive to do this may seem insignificant to us.  However, small rays of sunshine still light up the world.  Our world is in need of sunshine and hope. Today I invite you to share some sunshine with the people you encounter and to notice the ways in which others share sunshine with you.