Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: September 23, 2024

Date: Monday of the 25th Week in Ordinary Time

Scripture Text:  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.”

Breaking the text open – background and summary:

The gospel text for today, taken from the Gospel of Luke, immediately follows Jesus’ parable of the Sower which deals with our human reception of the word of the LORD. This text is a continuation of that. It focuses on our receptivity to the Word of the LORD. When we receive the Word, we are like the lamp, meant to illuminate our world by sharing that Word. Jesus advises us to listen to the Word well, to allow it to penetrate our minds and our hearts. Those who are receptive to the Word will benefit from it, but those who are not receptive will find their need increase.

Meditating on the text with personal questions:

How receptive am I to the WORD of the LORD, to the LORD’s revelations to me through Scripture and prayer? Do I allow myself to be transformed by the WORD so as to become a light in this world in service to the loving WORD of the LORD?

Praying:

LORD, Almighty Father, your love for humanity is so great that You sent your only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, to dwell among us as our brother. He is the WORD, the revelation of You and your love and your will. Send your Spirit to open more fully our minds and hearts to Christ. Allow us to be instruments in Christ’s ongoing salvific mission, to be lights in this world that bring Christ to others and others to Christ. Grant that we may allow your WORD and your will to penetrate every fiber of our being, to tenderize us to your transformative love. We ask this in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ, who lives and rules with You and the Spirit, one LORD, forever and ever. Amen.