Homily for September 23, 2019

The lamp about which Jesus speaks in our Gospel passage today was an oil lamp with a wick that could be lit. These lamps were an everyday household item in the time of Jesus and, really, for thousands of years. They were so common that, even today, it is not unusual to find one in the Mediterranean area completely intact. These lamps would light up an entire house at night. So, as Jesus said, no one would light such a lamp and then hide it under a bowl or a bed; that would make no sense.

In today’s Gospel, Jesus uses that light of the lamp as a metaphor for our faith. If the “light” of faith has been ignited in our hearts, minds, and souls, it is not meant to be covered or hidden. Rather, it should be shared, that it may cast light on others, so that they, too, may know and have faith in God.

The light of our faith needs to shine in our lives. It should be seen in how we live: in what we do and how we do it. To make that light of faith shine brightly, we must kindle it by listening to God’s Word. Jesus says, “Take care, then, how you hear. To anyone who has, more will be given.” After listening to His Word, we must let that light of faith shine forth through our own words and through our way of life. +