Daily Gospel Reflection
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September 23, 2024
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.”
Today’s gospel has only three verses. The first is so obvious that we are tempted to speed past it, but on second thought, I have to ask myself, “What is the light that I am putting on a lampstand?” I am tempted to overthink my answer, but I believe it is simply what we do in our communities. For example, a friend and I facilitate a Bible study for high schoolers at our parish. We study the following Sunday’s readings, and the kids feel empowered when they can explain them to their families. That’s a light that keeps shining.
The second verse tells us to make known Jesus’ teachings hidden in his parables. The only way I know to do that is by thoroughly contemplating the scriptures through study and discussion to uncover the truth. We must understand these parables and the “big picture” before we can teach them to others.
The third verse says, “To anyone who has, more will be given…” What is it that we have at least a little of, but if exercised, more will be given? Faith? Yes. Understanding? Yes. How about something as simple and concrete as curiosity? I won’t seek answers if I am not curious about the Lord. Eventually, I forget even what initially stimulated me toward God out of neglect, fear, or pride. In contrast, the teens at our Bible study are unafraid to ask questions. Sometimes, they are earnest, passionate, hilarious, and emotional, but their curiosity is infectious! They deserve the best answers.
Today is the feast of St. Padre Pio, a tremendous gift to the church. He once said, “In the spiritual life, he who does not advance goes backward. It happens as with a boat, which always must go ahead. If it stands still, the wind will blow it back.” That is exactly what Jesus says about losing even what we seem to have. May we all be light to each other in these ways.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, in baptism, you enkindled in our hearts the light of Jesus Christ, your Son. Inflame that light in our lives that it may illumine all that we see, think, and do. May our lives shine brightly with your light, and may we bring its radiance into the lives of all we encounter. We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Saint of the Day
Thecla is known in the Church as “the equal to the apostles,” and she is an important early martyr whose example inspired other women. She was one of the most honored saints of the early Church.
We don’t know much for certain about her. The stories that have been handed down were written several centuries after her life and death. They tell us that she was well-educated and eloquent, and that she was engaged to be married before meeting St. Paul in Iconium. Paul’s preaching encouraged Thecla to dedicate her life to the Lord, even foregoing marriage and consecrating her virginity to God. Her parents and her fiancé were angry and tried to change her mind, but she stood firm.
Out of spite, her fiancé reported Paul to the authorities, who was then beaten and thrown out of the city. Thecla was arrested and condemned to die at the stake, but a miraculous thunderstorm saved her. She was later sentenced to be killed by beasts, but another miracle prevented her from being harmed. Legend has it that she joined Paul to help spread the Gospel.
The relics of St. Thecla rest in the reliquary chapel in the Basilica, and her image is used here with permission from Catholic.org.
St. Thecla, equal to the apostles, pray for us!