Reading and meditation on the Word of God on Thursday of the third week in Ordinary Time, January 30, 2025

Delivered by Father Peter Tukan, SDB from Salesian Don Bosco Gerak in the Diocese of Labuan Bajo, Indonesia. Hebrews 10: 19-25; Rs psalm 24: 1-2.3-4ab.5-6; Mark 4: 21-25 LAMP LIGHT   Our meditation today has the theme: Lamp Light. In Jesus' time, there was no electricity. People used lamps or torches for lighting at home and on trips. But in our day, the lamp is almost not used because electricity has become the light for the inhabitants of the earth today. The mention of the lamp in the scriptures and the teachings of the Lord Jesus is still relevant to us today, which emphasizes more on the spiritual sense.   In the darkness because of certain power failure, people depend on the light in their hands, such as handphone, tablet or flashlight. But if there are no electrical-electronic devices available, one of the reliable light is the lamp. Burning candles, kerosene torches, or wood burning can be aligned with lamp lights that are readily available in our homes.   The Lord Jesus used the symbol of the lamp light to teach us about the role of every believer as a lamp that has flames. The Holy Spirit who has been with us since baptism always lights up His fire so that our minds are open to the words proclaimed to us and are related to all the realities of life that we experience. The fire of the Holy Spirit also burns and encourages our hearts, that we always have hope in the midst of difficulties and sufferings that trouble us.   Every person has a lamp and fire in him or herself, because God intends to make men and women His co-workers. Followers of Christ rightfully take part in the mission of Jesus Christ. So, they are God's partners in this world. The function of the lamp or fire in every person sent by God is generally two, namely as a light to the path to God and an illumination of life in the world. We basically have two directions to give our attention: to God and neighbours.   The way to God is not always smooth and easy. Jesus himself even says that the path is very narrow. King David himself needed divine light in order to understand and live out the trust of God to him. The long journey of life is often hampered by various forms of darkness. So, the lamp in each person is very useful in illuminating and guiding him or her, that the way to God is the way of Jesus Christ.   The world with all its conditions often becomes dark because of all its shortcomings such as ignorance, discrimination, lies, violence and death. Our mission as followers of Christ requires us to be the lamps with lights that illuminate, guide and enlighten the world. May our lamps continue to burn until our lives in this world end. Let's pray. In the name of the Father ... O Jesus, fill always ourselves with the light of Your Spirit so that we will increasingly become Your witnesses for the goodness and salvation in this world. Hail Mary full of grace ... In the name of the Father ...