Monday of the Twenty-fifth Week in Ordinary Time
Luke 8: 16-18
Living in the Light

In today’s Gospel (Luke 8:16–18), Jesus gives us three sayings, each one a gentle warning and invitation.

First, He tells us that no one lights a lamp and then hides it. The Christian life is meant to shine. Yet, how often do we hide our faith out of fear of being different? Even animals reject what stands out, and human society can be just as harsh. But Jesus calls us to show our colours. However humble our life may seem, we are invited to say with joy: “I belong to Christ.” Faith is not a burden to conceal, but a light to share.

Second, Jesus reminds us that nothing remains hidden. We may try to hide things from ourselves, pretending not to see the consequences of our actions. We may try to hide things from others, but secrets weigh heavily. We may even think we can hide from God, yet He is the “God who sees” (Gen 16:13). True freedom comes when we live in the light, with nothing to conceal.

Finally, Jesus gives us a simple but profound truth: to those who have, more will be given; to those who do not, even what they have will be taken away. Life does not stand still. The heart that seeks will grow; the heart that stops seeking will shrink. Just as muscles strengthen with use, so too faith deepens when practiced. But if we grow lazy or indifferent, we risk losing even the little we have.

This Gospel invites us to let our faith shine, to live transparently in God’s light, and to keep growing day by day in trust and love. The lamp of faith was lit in us not to be hidden, but to brighten the world.

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Cum Approbatione Ecclesiastica 2025