Daily Reflection, September 23, 2024

Reflection:

On a quiet morning, as I did some paperwork, the sun streamed through the office window, creating a pleasant atmosphere. Upon the boss’s arrival, I noticed a hint of displeasure on his face. He switched on the lights upon entering, and although I initially thought natural light was sufficient, he justified that having the lights on would signal our presence to others who might need assistance. This reminded me of the Gospel verse for today, emphasising the significance of the lamp that must be displayed to light the way for those who enter.

To understand this parable, let us go back to what the previous verses of this chapter tell us. Luke narrated the Parable of the Sower and the subsequent explanation. Jesus emphasizes the importance of hearing the Word. In fact, it resurfaces in v.18 as to take care how you hear.

Most of us, when we read this passage, our attention and reflection turn easily to the light, which also has great symbolism in our Christian life. But in this context, Luke has another emphasis that his readers should look into.  It is important to listen. Taking care of how you hear is a challenge, for listening entails obedience and they are essential to Sequela Christi. How can we respond if we don’t pay attention to what is being said? If we can’t respond, how can we witness it in our lives? If we can’t witness the faith we believe – to others, what does our life look like? It might look like a dark room, which no one would like to enter. If we don’t like to be one, we can learn from the saint, whose feast day we celebrate today, St. Pio of Pietrelcina’s humble beginnings. He spent his childhood happily carrying out faithfully his daily chores. As he grew up, he suffered from complicated illnesses, but these didn’t prevent him from doing good. Despite the illness experienced, as a priest, he continued to hear confessions and give spiritual direction, and people flocked to him seeking counsel. There are miracles associated with St. Pio that are still felt in our time. He was canonised by St. John Paul II in 2002.

Our challenge is to attentively hear God’s word and faithfully do His will. This may be found in small tasks in our everyday lives; even if we don’t receive recognition like the saints we admire, surely we can be like someone that the Psalmist says “Whoever does justice shall live on the Lord’s holy mountain.”

Sr Rosana Estoque CP is a Passionist Religious, and the Pastoral Associate at St.Brtigid’s Chruch, Marrickville.