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. 17 For there is nothing hidden that will not become visible, and nothing secret that will not be known and come to light. 18 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.
Jesus teaches about the lamp and the light, using an image familiar in his time. Houses were often one or two rooms, so a single small oil lamp, elevated so that it gave light to the room and could not be easily knocked over or hidden, could provide enough light for practical tasks at night. When Jesus says a lamp should not be “hidden under a bed,” his listeners would immediately understand: a lamp covered or put out of sight does not fulfill its purpose. Just as a lamp is placed on a stand to give light, God’s truth is meant to be lived and shared openly. The light represents God’s guidance and wisdom, the knowledge of his Word, and the call to live according to his ways.
He continues by explaining that “there is nothing hidden that will not become visible, and nothing secret that will not be known and come to light” (v.17). Every choice, every act, every thought is seen by God and will ultimately be revealed. Living in the light means living with integrity, honesty, and openness to God.
Jesus concludes with a call to attentiveness: “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” (v.18). Those who receive God’s Word with openness and act on it will grow in understanding and wisdom. Those who ignore God’s Word, or fail to respond to it, risk losing even the small understanding and spiritual insight they already possess.
God invites each of us to live visibly in his light. Our faith, our love, and our acts of kindness and spreading the Word are not meant to remain hidden. They are meant to illuminate the lives of others, pointing them toward God. The more we nurture this light in our hearts, the more it grows, guiding both ourselves and those around us.
Almighty God, help us to receive your Word with open hearts. Let it take root in us so that our lives reflect your light. May we act with courage, honesty, and love, sharing your truth in ways that uplift and guide others. Strengthen us to live visibly in your presence and to grow in understanding each day. This we pray through Christ our Lord. Amen!
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Sources and References:
- The Holy Bible, New American Bible, Revised Edition (2011).
- A Catholic Commentary on Holy Scripture, ed. Bernard Orchard et al. (1953).
- The Navarre Bible: Luke, Faculty of the University of Navarre (2008).
- The Paulist Biblical Commentary, ed. José Enrique Aguilar Chiu et al. (2018).
- St. John Chrysostom, Homilies on Matthew and Luke, c. 400.
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