Thursday, January
31, 2002
3rd Week in Ordinary Time
1st
Reading: 2 S 7:18-19, 24-29
Gospel: Mk 4:21-25
Jesus
said to the crowd, "When the light comes, is it to be put under a
tub or a bed? Surely it is put on a lampstand. Whatever is hidden will
be disclosed, and whatever is kept secret will be brought to light. Listen
then, if you have ears!"
And he also said to them, "Pay attention to what you hear. In the
measure you give, so shall you receive and still more will be given to
you. For to the one who produces something, more will be given, and from
him who does not produce anything, even what he has will be taken away
from him."
Commentary
Jesus encourages his disciples to share with other members of the community
what they have learned from him. The Gospel and the truth are not for
just a few privileged ones but for all people of God, and so for all humankind.
A sense of mission and involvement are expected from us. Quite often we
consider that our goal as Christian is just to BE good. Not exactly; our
goal is to DO good. We cannot keep the light just for us, under a bed,
but we must place it on a lamp stand. "For him who produces something,
more will be given," is an exhortation to get involved. Christian
communities shine bright and become alive when its members have a strong
sense of mission and are leaven to transform persons and structures, in
their neighborhood, nation and beyond.