Readings
Hebrews 10: 19-25
Mark 4: 21-25
Reflection
William Barclay points out that the same four sayings of Jesus in the four verses of today’s gospel are separated and spread out in Matthew’s gospel, in Mt 5:15, Mt 10;26, Mt 7:2 and Mt 13:12 (and repeated) in Mt 25:29. This suggests, he says, that they were originally four sayings of Jesus, perhaps repeated frequently or on different occasions that Mark put together in one section.
The first saying is clear and sensible; that no one would ever light a small pottery vessel (a little in shape like a gravy boat with a lighted wick floating in oil) and then hide it. It’s purpose was to provide light in a house that relied largely on sunlight during the daytime. Jesus says in a similar way, our lives should reflect the truth of our belief. We should not hide our convictions. When Martin Luther was offered the chance to recant his position he replied, “Here I stand, I can do no other, God help me”. This is a man being true to his convictions.
The second saying is both a warning and a promise that who we are and what we stand for, as secret as might hope it might remain, will be made known. The warning is that our sinfulness might be revealed. The promise is that our sense of truth or justice will achieve change and goodness. Oscar Romero risked his life to speak up against violent government forces. His last words were, “May God have mercy on my assassin”. The church recognised him as a saint.
The third saying calls us to recognise that our actions will reflect our motivations so that what we give will, in turn, gift us even more than what it costs us. This is the experience of anyone who sacrifices themselves for others. When Pope Francis recently asked a religious sister how it was that women can be involved in so many things at the same time, she said “Mothers do it all the time”. Mothers know about self-sacrifice.
The fourth saying also contains a threat and a promise that we will be assessed and accounted for by what we have said and done. The one who has given greatly will be enriched, while the one who has held back will lose the gift and capacity to give or receive. On their wedding day, many brides or grooms may feel sure that they will never love any more than today, and then their first child comes along!
Brian Traynor CP has been involved in faith formation for many years especially in the form of parish missions and through the Passionist Family Group Movement. Brian is a member of the Passionist community at Holy Cross, Templestowe.