Gospel:
Mk 4:21-25
Jesus also said to them, “When the light comes, is it to be put
under a tub or a bed? Surely it is put on a lamp stand. Whatever is hidden will
be disclosed, and whatever is kept secret will be brought to light. Listen
then, if you have ears!” And he also said to them, “Pay attention to what you
hear.
In the measure you give, so shall you receive and still more will be
given to you. For to the one who produces something, more will be given, and
from him who does not produce anything, even what he has will be taken away
from him.”
To hear and to listen are two different things. We can hear people
talk, we can hear all kinds of sounds and noises, but to listen is something
else. When someone talks to us but does not interest us we just hear that
person talk, but we do not listen to him. In the Gospel Jesus says, “Listen,
those who have ears.” Conversion comes from listening to the Word of God. We cannot
follow Jesus much less understand his teachings unless we listen to everything
he tells us.
There are two voices speaking to us every day, the voice of God
and the voice of the devil. It is easier to listen to the voice of the devil
because he tells us what we want to hear. He flatters and entices us with
pleasure and comfort, and often invites us to do selfish acts. On the other
hand, Jesus invites us to take the hard and narrow path. Our reward for doing
so often comes after or much later.
What is God telling us to do in the Gospel reading? Not to hide
our Christianity, but to be proud to be Christians. To tell the truth of what
is right and wrong even when we will be laughed at. Not to cheat and steal
money when everybody around us is doing so. To be compassionate to the poor and
the downtrodden. To forgive those who hurt us, etc. There are many ways to let
our light shine so that men might praise God on account of our good works.
We are not Christians for ourselves alone but for others. Every
Christian has a mission – to bring people to Jesus Christ. Are you aware of
your responsibilities as a Christian?
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