Light of Love

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today invite us to let our light shine to welcome people in our environment with care and concern for their well being.

Letting Light Shine

The Reading from the Book of Ezra declares The Decree of Cyrus.

* [1:1] In the first year of Cyrus: the first regnal year of Cyrus was 539 B.C., but his first year as ruler of Babylon, after the conquest of that city, was 538 B.C., the year in which he issued an edict, replicated on the famous Cyrus cylinder, permitting the repatriation of peoples deported by the Babylonians.

* [1:2] The God of heaven: this title, used as in 7:12, 21, 23, corresponds to a title of the Zoroastrian supreme deity Ahura Mazda, though it is not certain that Cyrus was a Zoroastrian.

* [1:5] Heads of ancestral houses: the ancestral house was the basic organizational unit of the postexilic community, consisting of an extended kinship group claiming descent from a common ancestor. The patriarchs of these units played an important role in civic government. (Ezra, CHAPTER 1, n.d.)

Psalm 126 rejoices that the people are returned to Zion.

* [Psalm 126] A lament probably sung shortly after Israel’s return from exile. The people rejoice that they are in Zion (Ps 126:1–3) but mere presence in the holy city is not enough; they must pray for the prosperity and the fertility of the land (Ps 126:4). The last verses are probably an oracle of promise: the painful work of sowing will be crowned with life (Ps 126:5–6). (Psalms, PSALM 126, n.d.)

The Gospel of Luke proclaims The Parable of the Lamp.

* [8:16–18] These sayings continue the theme of responding to the word of God. Those who hear the word must become a light to others (Lk 8:16); even the mysteries of the kingdom that have been made known to the disciples (Lk 8:9–10) must come to light (Lk 8:17); a generous and persevering response to the word of God leads to a still more perfect response to the word. (Luke, CHAPTER 8, n.d.)

Mike Cherney comments that history shows that Cyrus, in his role as emperor, allowed the conquered peoples to continue practicing their religions. He seems to have been a pioneer of religious tolerance. His actions remind me that God can work through all people, regardless of their beliefs, to fulfill divine purposes.

I often confuse being “chosen” with being “entitled.” Today’s readings remind me that being chosen by God is not a privilege one has earned, but a gift that one is called to share. My prayer today focuses on grace.

 

Dear Lord,

Open my ears and my heart to Your grace.

Help me to remember that it is unearned, and unmerited.

Grant me the humility to both accept it and share it.

Allow the Holy Spirit to guide me as I discern my response. (Cherney, n.d.)

Don Schwager quotes “The Word of God is like a lamp to guide us,” by Origen of Alexandria (185-254 AD).

"Scripture does not say this about a tangible lamp but about a comprehensible one. One does not 'light' the lamp and conceal it 'with a vessel' or put it 'under a bed, but on the lamp stand' within himself. The vessels of the house are the powers of the soul. The bed is the body. 'Those who go in' are those who hear the teacher... He calls the holy church a 'lamp stand.' By its proclamation, the Word of God gives light to all who are in this world and illuminates those in the house with the rays of the truth, filling the minds of all with divine knowledge. (excerpt from FRAGMENTS ON LUKE 120, 122) (Schwager, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler comments that Ezra notes that Cyrus sent exiled populations back to their homelands. This highlights different policies by the Persian Empire requiring only troops and tribute. A significant Jewish population remained in Babylon to modern times. The Gospel of Luke observes no lamps under vessels but our light gives witness to our faith by extending good will to all. Friar Jude reminds us that faith is built by God but rejecting faith causes it to be lost.

Father Richard Rohr, OFM, remembers Congressman John Lewis (1940–2020) who describes his Christian faith as the foundation of his commitment to nonviolence.

I believe in the philosophy and discipline of nonviolence. I accepted it not simply as a technique or as a tactic, but as a way of life, a way of living. We have to arrive at the point, as believers in the Christian faith, that in every human being there is a spark of divinity. Every human personality is something sacred, something special. We don’t have a right, as another person or as a nation, to destroy that spark of divinity, that spark of humanity, that is made and created in the image of God.  

I saw Sheriff Clark in Selma, or Bull Connor in Birmingham, or George Wallace, the governor of Alabama, as victims of the system. We were not out to destroy these men. We were out to destroy a vicious and evil system. [1] (Rohr, n.d.)

We examine our actions and motives in relation to seeking full life for all the people in our lives and invoke the light of the Spirit to illuminate the path to greater love and inclusion.

References

Cherney, M. (n.d.). Daily Bible Readings. Creighton Online Ministries: Home. Retrieved September 22, 2025, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/daily-reflections/daily-reflection-september-22-2025 

Ezra, CHAPTER 1. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved September 22, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/ezra/1?1 

Luke, CHAPTER 8. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved September 22, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/luke/8?16 

Psalms, PSALM 126. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved September 22, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/126?1 

Rohr, R. (n.d.). Daily Meditations — Center for Action and Contemplation. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved September 22, 2025, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/can-we-love-all/ 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). Every Secret Shall Come to Light. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved September 22, 2025, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/?ds_year=2025&date=sep22 

Virtue and Visibility

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today remind us of the ability of our virtuous living to be a guide and positive influence in our environment.

Let the Light Shine

The reading from the Book of Proverbs notes that Justice Toward One’s Neighbor brings Blessing.

* [3:21–35] As in other instructions, the father in vv. 21–26 urges the son to seek wisdom, which in this case means practicing the virtues of “deliberation and planning,” a specification of wisdom. Practicing these virtues brings protection from violence (vv. 22–26) and friendship with God (vv. 32–35). The language is like Ps 91.

Verses 27–35 are arranged according to a clear order. Serving God requires serving one’s neighbor through kindness (vv. 27–28), maintaining peace with the good (vv. 29–31), having no envy of the wicked (v. 31), because the Lord’s friendship and kindness are with the just, not with the wicked. Matching the six exhortations of vv. 1–12, vv. 27–34 contain six prohibitions. The righteous/wicked contrast is progressively developed: in contrast to the wicked, the righteous are in God’s inner circle, their houses are blessed, they deal with a merciful God, and obtain honor. (Proverbs, CHAPTER 3 | USCCB, n.d.)

Psalm 15 asks Who shall abide in God’s Sanctuary?

* [Psalm 15] The Psalm records a liturgical scrutiny at the entrance to the Temple court (cf. Ps 24:3–6; Is 33:14b–16). The Israelite wishing to be admitted had to ask the Temple official what conduct was appropriate to God’s precincts. Note the emphasis on virtues relating to one’s neighbor. (Psalms, PSALM 15 | USCCB, n.d.)

The Gospel of Luke explores placing a Lamp under a Jar.

* [8:16–18] These sayings continue the theme of responding to the word of God. Those who hear the word must become a light to others (Lk 8:16); even the mysteries of the kingdom that have been made known to the disciples (Lk 8:9–10) must come to light (Lk 8:17); a generous and persevering response to the word of God leads to a still more perfect response to the word. (Luke, CHAPTER 8 | USCCB, n.d.)

Andy Alexander, S.J. comments on His invitation and grace to be like Him in loving and forgiving others, and of a life of self-sacrificing love and accompanying others.

The help Jesus offers us today is to remember that I often "forget" what I've heard. The good news of his love, the promise of his closeness and the assistance offered me, all fade away when I let stress, anxiety, compromises, bad choices cloud my memory. I forget. The grace I ask for today is that I might continue to remember what I've heard and to rely on that good news in living my life more gratefully and with greater trust. (Alexander, n.d.)

Don Schwager quotes “The Word of God is like a lamp to guide us,” by Origen of Alexandria (185-254 AD).

"Scripture does not say this about a tangible lamp but about a comprehensible one. One does not 'light' the lamp and conceal it 'with a vessel' or put it 'under a bed, but on the lamp stand' within himself. The vessels of the house are the powers of the soul. The bed is the body. 'Those who go in' are those who hear the teacher... He calls the holy church a 'lamp stand.' By its proclamation, the Word of God gives light to all who are in this world and illuminates those in the house with the rays of the truth, filling the minds of all with divine knowledge. (excerpt from FRAGMENTS ON LUKE 120, 122) (Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on Luke 8:16-18 comments that we can hear the Scriptures every day at Mass. We can read and even study the Bible during our prayer time. But how are we hearing God’s message? Are we putting it into practice, or are we taking God’s word for granted, rushing through it, or even allowing it to stay at a superficial level?

God speaks to us most clearly and directly through his word. So spend time with the Scriptures today. The more you do this, the more you’ll hear God speaking to you—and the more you’ll be inspired to obey him. And that will make you like a lamp on a lampstand, shining brightly and illuminating the world around you.

“Lord, thank you for speaking to me in your word! May it shine forth from me as I follow you.” (Meditation on Luke 8:16-18, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler comments on the simple teaching of Proverbs on how to live a good life and be supported by God. He notes another emphasis in Matthew about being secret as a technique of Jewish teaching that presents both extremes. There is no such thing as a hidden sin. Our sin is sensed by others so we need to seek transparency. Friar Jude reminds us that God cannot increase our faith if we are not willing to accept it.

Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, introduces spiritual teacher Beverly Lanzetta who considers what constitutes a “new monk”. Lanzetta describes how “new monks” practice their spirituality outside monastic enclosure.

New expressions of monasticism are not only authentic, but also offer a vital and necessary counterpoint to secular society. This is especially true because the monk in the world is bound by his or her vocation to be a self-reflective person—one who seeks higher meaning and dedicates his or her life on Earth to its pursuit. It is arduous work to dig deep into one’s soul, bringing forth hidden or unconscious motives contrary to a spiritual life. I find that the younger generations are especially drawn to the movement of new monasticism, as many were born with awareness of a new religious sensibility and a global Earth community. (Rohr, n.d.)

We are spiritual beings who are drawn by the Spirit to virtuous living hopefully as a lamp of truth, goodness, and love in our environment.

References

Alexander, A. (n.d.). Daily Reflection Of Creighton University's Online Ministries. OnlineMinistries. Retrieved September 23, 2024, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/092324.html 

Luke, CHAPTER 8 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved September 23, 2024, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/luke/8?16 

Meditation on Luke 8:16-18. (n.d.). The Word Among Us: Homepage. Retrieved September 23, 2024, from https://wau.org/meditations/2024/09/23/1078725/ 

Proverbs, CHAPTER 3 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved September 23, 2024, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/proverbs/3?27 

Psalms, PSALM 15 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved September 23, 2024, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/15?2 

Rohr, R. (n.d.). The New Monk. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved September 23, 2024, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/the-new-monk/ 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). Every Secret Shall Come to Light. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved September 23, 2024, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/?ds_year=2024&date=sep23 

Anointed to Reveal Love

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today present the mission to Timothy and Titus to remind us of our Baptismal anointing as priest, prophet, and leader.

Building Faith Community

The reading from the Second Letter to Timothy offers thanksgiving and encouragement.

* [1:4–5] Purportedly written from prison in Rome (2 Tm 1:8, 17; 4:6–8) shortly before the writer’s death, the letter recalls the earlier sorrowful parting from Timothy, commending him for his faith and expressing the longing to see him again.

* [1:6] The gift of God: the grace resulting from the conferral of an ecclesiastical office. The imposition of my hands: see note on 1 Tm 4:14.

* [1:8] Do not be ashamed of your testimony to our Lord: i.e., of preaching and suffering for the sake of the gospel. (2 Timothy, CHAPTER 1, n.d.)

The reading from the Letter to Titus describes Titus' mission in Crete.

 

* [1:1–4] On the epistolary form, see note on Rom 1:1–7. The apostolate is the divinely appointed mission to lead others to the true faith and through it to eternal salvation (1–3). (Titus, CHAPTER 1, n.d.)

Psalm 96 offers praise to God Who Comes in Judgement.

* [Psalm 96] A hymn inviting all humanity to praise the glories of Israel’s God (Ps 96:1–3), who is the sole God (Ps 96:4–6). To the just ruler of all belongs worship (Ps 96:7–10); even inanimate creation is to offer praise (Ps 96:11–13). This Psalm has numerous verbal and thematic contacts with Is 40–55, as does Ps 98. Another version of the Psalm is 1 Chr 16:23–33. (Psalms, PSALM 96, n.d.)

The USCCB selection of the Gospel of Mark is a parable of a Lamp under a Bushel Basket.

* [4:1–34] In parables (Mk 4:2): see note on Mt 13:3. The use of parables is typical of Jesus’ enigmatic method of teaching the crowds (Mk 4:2–9, 12) as compared with the interpretation of the parables he gives to his disciples (Mk 4:10–25, 33–34) to each group according to its capacity to understand (Mk 4:9–11). (Mark, CHAPTER 4, n.d.)

The CCCB selection of the Gospel of Luke is the Mission of the Seventy.

* [10:1–12] Only the Gospel of Luke contains two episodes in which Jesus sends out his followers on a mission: the first (Lk 9:1–6) is based on the mission in Mk 6:6b–13 and recounts the sending out of the Twelve; here in Lk 10:1–12 a similar report based on Q becomes the sending out of seventy-two in this gospel. The episode continues the theme of Jesus preparing witnesses to himself and his ministry. These witnesses include not only the Twelve but also the seventy-two who may represent the Christian mission in Luke’s own day. Note that the instructions given to the Twelve and to the seventy-two are similar and that what is said to the seventy-two in Lk 10:4 is directed to the Twelve in Lk 22:35. (Luke, CHAPTER 10, n.d.)

Thomas Quinn comments that our priorities clearly need to be aligned with our ability to discern God’s will for us and our need or duty to share our grace with our brothers and sisters in Christ.

Mark includes several parables in today’s gospel reading. I can only respond with my impressions (reflections) for each parable. Certainly, many of you may have other, deeper meanings.

Place your light on the lampstand; let it shine. Let the light of your faith conquer the darkness.

Nothing is truly hidden unless it may again be made visible.

Anyone who has ears that are functional should hear but do so with discernment. Be open to the word of God but beware of lies and false prophets.

If you measure a person or a thing, be sure that you expect the same measure to be used to evaluate you. Another thought may be to “do unto others as you would have them do unto you. “ (Quinn, n.d.)

Don Schwager quotes “Called to shine in the midst of darkness,” by Tertullian, 160-225 A.D.

"Why does the Lord call us the light of the world? Why has he compared us to a city on a hill (Matthew 5:14)? Are we not called to shine in the midst of darkness, and stand up high for those most sunk down? If you hide your lamp beneath a bushel (Matthew 5:15; Luke 8:16, 11:33), you will soon notice that you yourself will be in the dark. You will find others bumping into you. So what can you do to illumine the world? Let your faith produce good works. Be a reflection of God's light. The good is not preoccupied with darkness. It rejoices in being seen (John 3:21). It exults over the very pointings which are made at it. Christian modesty not only wishes to be modest, but also it wishes to be beheld as what it actually is." (excerpt from ON THE APPAREL OF WOMEN 2.13) (Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on 2 Timothy 1:1-8 comments that Timothy and Titus had their work cut out for them. That’s because no local church is immune to the kinds of divisions, scandals, and controversies that we often see in the world. Paul knew how hard it could be for believers to let go of attitudes and ways of relating that they knew before their conversion. Perhaps that’s why he told Timothy, “Bear your share of hardship for the Gospel” and why he told Titus, “Let no one look down on you” (2 Timothy 1:8; Titus 2:15).

On this day, when we honor two of the first bishops ever to serve the Church, let’s pray for our own bishop. Let’s ask the Spirit to pour a special blessing of refreshment and peace upon him today. You might also consider writing your bishop a small note of encouragement. Let him know you are grateful for his leadership and his commitment to the Lord. Tell him that you want to work with him in advancing the gospel. And by all means, assure him of your prayers!

“Jesus, let every bishop know your presence and your love in a special way today.” (Meditation on 2 Timothy 1:1-8, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler comments on the more developed ecclesiology in the Pastoral Epistles to Timothy and Titus that suggests they were written by a disciple of Paul. The Jewish mother of Timothy and the Gentile origin of Titus and their duties to lead their communities form the foundation for presbyters and priests. Friar Jude reminds us of the both/and nature of our private faith and our light of faith to others.

Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, describes the tension between priestly and prophetic tasks—both of which are necessary for healthy religion. There are two great strains of spiritual teachers in Judaism, and if the truth is told, in all religions. There’s the priestly strain that holds the system together by repeating the tradition. The one we’re less familiar with is the prophetic strain, because that one hasn’t been quite as accepted. Prophets are critical of the very system that the priests maintain.

We’re living in a most amazing time because we have it in Pope Francis right now. We very seldom have a pope who is also a prophet: one who holds the tradition together, respects and conserves the tradition, but at the same time is often quite critical of the bishops and the priests (as he well should be).   

Jesus enters the synagogue and of course he recognizes the evil ones, and they recognize him (Mark 1:24). They’re exposed. This is the first exorcism, or casting out of a demon, and it’s in a most amazing place. It’s not in the marketplace, it’s not in the prostitutes, it’s not in the tax collectors. The devil is in the synagogue itself! This is no small symbol.   

The only way evil can succeed is to disguise itself as good. And one of the best disguises for evil is religion. Just pretend to love God, go to church every Sunday, recite the creed, and say all the right things. Someone can be racist, be against the poor, hate immigrants, and be totally concerned about making money and being a materialist, but still go to church each Sunday and be “justified” in the eyes of religion. (Rohr, 2023)

We are called by the Spirit to put the lamp of our faith, hope and love into places where it can be seen as we seek guidance in our priestly and prophetic roles.

References

Luke, CHAPTER 10. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved January 26, 2023, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/luke/10 

Mark, CHAPTER 4. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved January 26, 2023, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/mark/4 

Meditation on 2 Timothy 1:1-8. (n.d.). The Word Among Us: Homepage. Retrieved January 26, 2023, from https://wau.org/meditations/2023/01/26/594485/ 

Psalms, PSALM 96. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved January 26, 2023, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/96?1 

Quinn, T. (n.d.). Creighton U. Daily Reflection. Online Ministries. Retrieved January 26, 2023, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/012623.html 

Rohr, R. (2023, January 26). We Need Priests and Prophets — Center for Action and Contemplation. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved January 26, 2023, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/we-need-priests-and-prophets-2023-01-26/ 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved January 26, 2023, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/?ds_year=2023&date=jan26 

Titus, CHAPTER 1. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved January 26, 2023, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/titus/1?1 

2 Timothy, CHAPTER 1. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved January 26, 2023, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/2timothy/1?1