Is a lamp brought in to be placed under a bushel basket or under a bed, and not to be placed on a lampstand?
Mark 4:21
Jesus’ question to his disciples should really make us ponder our own faith. Christ asks, “Is a lamp brought in to be placed under a bushel basket or under a bed, and not to be placed on a lampstand.” A lamp is meant to light up a room, it is not meant to be hidden under anything. If it were hidden, what purpose would it serve? In today’s world, being a Christian, practicing one’s faith, using one’s gifts and talents, are being hidden beneath bushel baskets and beds. We are not seeing people practice their faith as Christ calls us to.
Parents think dropping their kids off at Faith Formation is enough. Parishioners believe it’s only important to pray on Sundays. Many people in the pews have gifts and talents which could help the Church, but instead keep it to themselves. Ten percent of the community does the heavy lifting, but what if ninety percent did the heavy lifting. If this happened, the ten percent that help out now, would not burn out after a few years of ministry. Therefore, I ask you, “Will you hide your faith from the world, or be a lamp that illumines it?”
Does my faith shine brightly, or am I hiding it under a bushel basket/bed?
Lord God, may our faith shine brightly, for all to see!
Today’s Reflection is by:
Fr. Izzie Hernandez
Did you know…
Fr. Israel “Izzie” Hernandez is a newly ordained priest for the Diocese of St. Petersburg. He currently serves as Parochial Vicar at St. Stephen’s in Riverview. His home parish is Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church in Land O’ Lakes. He loves sports and is a fan of the Bucs, Bolts, Rays, Bulls, and Magic.
