First reading Proverbs 3:27-34
The Lord blesses the home of the virtuous
My son, do not refuse a kindness to anyone who begs it,
if it is in your power to perform it.
Do not say to your neighbour, ‘Go away! Come another time!
I will give it you tomorrow’, if you can do it now.
Do not plot harm against your neighbour
as he lives unsuspecting next door.
Do not pick a groundless quarrel with a man
who has done you no harm.
Do not emulate the man of violence,
never model your conduct on his;
for the wilful wrong-doer is abhorrent to the Lord,
who confides only in honest men.
The Lord’s curse lies on the house of the wicked,
but he blesses the home of the virtuous.
He mocks those who mock,
but accords his favour to the humble.
Responsorial Psalm 14(15):2-5
The just will live in the presence of the Lord.
Lord, who shall dwell on your holy mountain?
He who walks without fault;
he who acts with justice
and speaks the truth from his heart;
he who does not slander with his tongue.
He who does no wrong to his brother,
who casts no slur on his neighbour,
who holds the godless in disdain,
but honours those who fear the Lord.
He who keeps his pledge, come what may;
who takes no interest on a loan
and accepts no bribes against the innocent.
Such a man will stand firm for ever.
Gospel Luke 8:16-18
Anyone who has will be given more
Jesus said to the crowds:
‘No one lights a lamp to cover it with a bowl or to put it under a bed. No, he puts it on a lamp-stand so that people may see the light when they come in. For nothing is hidden but it will be made clear, nothing secret but it will be known and brought to light. So take care how you hear; for anyone who has will be given more; from anyone who has not, even what he thinks he has will be taken away.’
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Shining brightly for Christ
In today’s first reading, the book of Proverbs states: “My child, do not refuse a kindness to anyone who begs it, if it is in your power to perform it. Do not say to your neighbour, ‘Go away! Come another time! I will give it tomorrow’ if you can do it now..”. The call is for us not to procrastinate in doing good. When we do so, we are allowing Christ’s light to shine.
“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father” (Matthew 5:16). Like the moon reflecting the light of the sun, we are called to reflect the light of Christ’s presence. We reflect Jesus’ light of love in everyday life and in the simple acts of goodness and words of love, for example, when we take care of a sick family member, when we speak words of encouragement to a friend, when we offer to run errands for an elderly neighbour, etc. This is our commitment as Christians to shine Christ to others.
Reflective question:
Am I aware of my call to reflect Christ’s light through my words and works?
Am I aware of my call to reflect Christ’s light through my words and works?
Acknowledgment: Reflections are based on “Prayer for Living: The Word of God for Daily Prayer Year C” by Sr Sandra Seow FMVD.
