Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: January 30, 2025

Date: Thursday of the 3rd Week in Ordinary Time

Scripture Text: Mark 4:21-25

Jesus said to his disciples, “Is a lamp brought in to be placed under a bushel basket or under a bed, and not to be placed on a lampstand? For there is nothing hidden except to be made visible; nothing is secret except to come to light. Anyone who has ears to hear ought to hear.” He also told them, “Take care what you hear. The measure with which you measure will be measured out to you and still more will be given to you. To the one who has, more will be given; from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away.”

Breaking the text open – background and summary:

The gospel today taken from Mark recounts Jesus’ telling of the parable of the lamp stressing that the light given to us is to be shared, not hidden away. Jesus goes on to speak of our being treated as we treat others – “the measure with which you measure.” Finally, Jesus, ends by telling us that if we have faith, even a little, we will gain more. But those without faith will be challenged.

Meditating on the text with personal questions:

How am I using my faith? What, if anything, am I doing to grow it?

Praying:

LORD, I do believe. Help my unbelief. Help me, LORD, to navigate this journey in You, with You and through You. Strengthen my faith, illuminate my path, tenderize my heart. Glory be to the Father, to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.