Hebrews 10:19-25; Psalm 24; Mark 4:21-25
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“Is a lamp brought in to be put under a bushel, or under a bed and not on a stand?” Jesus is the Lamp to be placed on the lamp stand. The light of Christ must shine. We are carrier of his light to the world. At baptism we are told to keep this light burning brightly. If this light is kept under a bed it will not shine brightly. Thus, to sustain this light with a proper energy level we must have a clear conscience as the first reading noted. Beloved, we must strive daily to shine brightly through our words and actions. Light attracts likeness; light is loved, and light is always preferred to darkness. So, we must shine and attracts many to God. We must shine so that many will come to know that we serve a God who is able to help us in circumstances, a God who is able to scatter the darkness of sin and hatred. Today the Church celebrates St Thomas Aquinas, he spent much of his time discovering the light of Christ; when eventually he found the light he sustained it and transmitted it. Thus, he says it is “better to illuminate than to merely shine.” Beloved, say aloud to yourself “I am not just shining, I am lighting up places!”
Let us pray
Almighty Father, through the intercession of your saint – St. Thomas Aquinas, the patron saint of universities and schools, grant that all your children in various universities and schools all over the world will continue to grow in light, spare them from the darkness of the enemy, spare them from the lies and practices of bad friends. Father, keep them in the path of light, enlighten their minds with the grace to remain faithful to you and teach them to discover and appreciate wisdom in their studies. Amen.
