Reflection for September 22 Monday of the 25th Week in Ordinary Time: Luke 8:16-18

Gospel: Luke 8:16-18

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.”

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Reflection:

What is our mission as followers of Jesus? It is to share in the ministry of His evangelization. Whatever we know about the Catholic faith, we are called to pass on. As our faith continues to grow and prosper, we not only deepen our own relationship with God but also help save more souls, offering spiritual direction and nourishment to the lives of others. 

In this world darkened by sin, Jesus calls us to be like the lamp placed on a lampstand, giving light to everyone around us. We light this darkened world with the teachings of Jesus; we brighten it by living our lives according to His will. Our witness becomes a flame that others can see and follow. 

Just imagine a family that never speaks of Jesus. Silence about Him often means distance from Him—and most likely, from the life of the Church. What happens to such a family without the light of Jesus? This is where the sacred role of parents comes in. They are entrusted to be the first bearers of Christ’s light in the home. 

Parents must seize every opportunity to introduce their children to Jesus. A child who is brought to Holy Mass, who is introduced to Jesus through the Scriptures, and who is formed in the teachings of Christ and His Church will carry a light that will never fade. Such a child grows up guided, enlightened, and strengthened by Christ. And such a family will walk through life without fear, because the light of Jesus is with them. 

But in today’s digital world, where so many children are shaped by screens and influenced by fleeting trends, we must ask ourselves: Do we still make the effort to pass on the light of Jesus to them? Is His lamp burning brightly in our homes, or have we allowed it to dim under the pressures of modern life? 

Will you let your faith shine so brightly that your family, your children, and even the social media–savvy generation of today will come to know, love, and follow Jesus? — Marino J. Dasmarinas