Thursday, January 29, 2026

 

Thursday of the Third Week in Ordinary Time

(II Samuel 7:18-19.24-29; Mark 4:21-25)

The gospels frequently refer to Jesus as light.  In John, Jesus declares, “I am the light of the world.”  In Luke, the visionary Simeon, while holding the infant Jesus in his arms, calls him, “’… a light for revelation to the Gentiles.’”  In today’s passage from Mark, Jesus uses a metaphor to say the same.  He is a lamp that has come into the world so that people may see. 

Jesus adds in the Gospel of John, “’… but people preferred darkness to light, because their works were evil’” (3:19).  The light of truth prohibits actions which many defend – sex outside of marriage, lying to get what you want, drinking until inebriated, and more.  For this reason, Jesus adds, “’The measure with which you measure will be measured out to you.’”  That is, if you do evil, it will bite you back.

“’Take care what you hear.’” Jesus further tells us.  We must listen to him, reflect on what he says, and follow his counsel every day.  His light will point out the way to our true happiness.

No comments: