In the second reading at the Sunday Mass, the 25th Sunday of Ordinary Time, year C, Saint Paul advises Timothy (I Tim 2:1-8) that “supplications, prayers, petitions, and thanksgivings be offered for everyone, for kings and for all in authority, that we may lead a quiet and tranquil life in all devotion and dignity. This is good and pleasing to God our savior, who wills everyone to be saved and to come to knowledge of the truth. For there is one God.”
In today’s readings, we heard of God’s inspiration and call to action, even through secular rulers, and the importance of openly living out and sharing the faith.
The first reading (Ezra 1:1-6) describes how the God inspired King Cyrus of Persia to issue a decree allowing the Jewish exiles to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the Temple. God’s sovereign power worked even through pagan kings to fulfill His plans for His people.
In the Gospel (Luke 8:16-18) Jesus teaches that a lamp’s purpose is to give light and must not to be hidden under a basket but placed on a stand so its light can be seen.
We are reminded that the word of God should not be hidden within individuals but shared with others. Do people see or experience the light of God in you?
We are hence called to be open and courageous in our faith, allowing God’s light and truth to shine through our lives. The truth of the Gospel is not to be kept to themselves but should be disseminated so as to illuminate the world.
No wonder then that Jesus calls us, you and I, the light of the world.
May we allow the light of God in us to shine so that others may see this light and glorify our heavenly Father.
Have a wonderful Week
