First reading 2 Samuel 7:18-19,24-29
‘The house of your servant will be blessed for ever’
After Nathan had spoken to him, King David went in and, seated before the Lord, said: ‘Who am I, O Lord, and what is my House, that you have led me as far as this? Yet in your sight, O Lord, this is still not far enough, and you make your promises extend to the House of your servant for a far-distant future. You have constituted your people Israel to be your own people for ever; and you, Lord, have become their God.
‘Now, O Lord, always keep the promise you have made your servant and his House, and do as you have said. Your name will be exalted for ever and men will say, “The Lord of Hosts is God over Israel.” The House of your servant David will be made secure in your presence, since you yourself, Lord of Hosts, God of Israel, have made this revelation to your servant, “I will build you a House”; hence your servant has ventured to offer this prayer to you. Yes, Lord, you are God indeed, your words are true and you have made this fair promise to your servant. Be pleased, then, to bless the House of your servant, that it may continue for ever in your presence; for you, Lord, have spoken; and with your blessing the House of your servant will be for ever blessed.’
Responsorial Psalm 131(132):1-5,11-14
The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David.
O Lord, remember David
and all the many hardships he endured,
the oath he swore to the Lord,
his vow to the Strong One of Jacob.
‘I will not enter the house where I live
nor go to the bed where I rest.
I will give no sleep to my eyes,
to my eyelids I will give no slumber
till I find a place for the Lord,
a dwelling for the Strong One of Jacob.’
The Lord swore an oath to David;
he will not go back on this word:
‘A son, the fruit of your body,
will I set upon your throne.
‘If they keep my covenant in truth
and my laws that I have taught them,
their sons also shall rule
on your throne from age to age.’
For the Lord has chosen Zion;
he has desired it for his dwelling:
‘This is my resting-place for ever;
here have I chosen to live.
Gospel Mark 4:21-25
A lamp is to be put on a lampstand. The amount you measure out is the amount you will be given
Jesus said to the crowd, ‘Would you bring in a lamp to put it under a tub or under the bed? Surely you will put it on the lamp-stand? For there is nothing hidden but it must be disclosed, nothing kept secret except to be brought to light. If anyone has ears to hear, let him listen to this.’
He also said to them, ‘Take notice of what you are hearing. The amount you measure out is the amount you will be given – and more besides; for the man who has will be given more; from the man who has not, even what he has will be taken away.’
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We are meant to shine for Christ
In today’s Gospel, Jesus said, “Would you bring in a lamp to put it under a tub or under the bed? Surely you will put it on the lamp-stand?” A lamp is meant to shine. It has a purpose: to give light, to reveal what is hidden, to guide and make the way clear. Using this image, Jesus invites us to be bearers of His light and to embrace the gift of faith. Rather than keeping it hidden, we should allow it to illuminate our lives and the lives of those around us through acts of kindness, honesty, compassion, and courage.
Jesus also says, “The amount you measure out is the amount you will be given…” If we give little of ourselves to God, our hearts remain small; but when we give generously, our time, love, forgiveness, and service, our hearts expand, and we allow God’s presence to shine through us, drawing others toward Him.
Reflective question:
How can I let Christ’s light shine more brightly in my actions, words, and relationships?
Acknowledgment: Reflections are based on “Prayer for Living: The Word of God for Daily Prayer Year A” by Sr Maria Jose FMVD
