Monday of the Twenty-fifth Week in Ordinary Time
When Jesus used the image of putting a lamp on a lamp stand rather than under a bucket, he must have caught people’s attention. They realized that the small smoky, flickering oil lamp was truly their only weapon against the darkness. How different this is for us with our vast variety of lighting devices. And yet, these are useless without a power source.
Our reflection on light and its absence eventually leads us to think about spiritual darkness. Although we’re quick to restore light in the case of a power failure, too often we can tend to tolerate and even choose spiritual darkness which allows for the presence and function of harmful forces within us.
Jesus is calling all of us to be people of the light, which is another way of talking about integrity and transparency. This is a universal call for every person to turn to the source of light, like a sun catcher in the window. This simply means allowing the light of Christ to penetrate our minds and hearts to overcome areas of darkness.
Lest this reflection lack traction “where the rubber meets the road,” we might ask ourselves, can I truly see, both physically and spiritually? Can I see the dark areas of my life and others waiting to be enlightened by my works of charity, the kind word, and the gift of joy?
Reflection by Fr. Daniel Petsche, OSB
Posted in Articles for Ordinary Time, Daily Reflections