[__01] In the
Gospel this Sunday, we read the Good News about the bright lamp, the bright
light on a lampstand.
We
are reminded …. “[we do not] light a lamp and place it under a bushel basket,
[the light / the bright light] is set on
a lampstand where it gives light to all in the house.”
Being
on the stand, being visible … for everyone to see – this is Good News.
[__02] In another version – interpretation – we could
say that being on the stand – or on the podium – and visible is also the best /
good news for a competitor at the Winter Olympics, in Sochi ,
in Russia
What
enables a competitor / athlete to stand on the winner’s podium?
The
speed skaters and ski jumpers of the United
States , Russia
[__03] Who is
victorious – who will win -- the GOLD,
SILVER, or BRONZE medals ?
According
the Olympic ideal – Olympic “gospel truth” ? – the medal is worn by the hardest
working[1],
the most prepared, the most committed.
And,
in this regard, sometimes those with the most “talent” or the most promise “on
paper” or the most qualifications (historically) or the best statistics … may
be defeated by the one who works harder.
Such
is the ideal that we can watch on the NBC network from our own homes. Check
your local listings.
[__04] Jesus
gives us examples of those who overcome great odds to become the light on a
lampstand.
In
the famous parable of the Prodigal Son, the Prodigal Son makes a race to the
finish line. The “judges”, meanwhile, would not have expected him to persevere.
He had, after all, wasted his inheritance, lots of money … and possible lots of
time.
Yet,
the Prodigal Son had the same spirit, the same will to survive, to live. Yet,
he also seemed to lack the qualifications.
The
Prodigal Son himself did not believe that he deserved to win [gain] his
father’s favor or forgiveness, but he was willing to risk everything he could
to reach home.
He
put aside the bushel basket of darkness, to reach the lampstand of brightness,
the “podium” of home. There is pleasant music and song there also.
For
the Prodigal Son – and for all of us – faith – confidence in God – is
manifested in his actions, in his efforts.
[__05] In the
Book of Isaiah, this weekend, we read about the connection between our faith
and our actions.
- Share your bread with
the hungry
- Shelter the oppressed
- Clothe the naked …
- Do not turn your back
on your own.
Traditionally,
in Catholic teaching, these are the corporal works of mercy.
In
these actions, our light shines…
And,
for these actions, we are also judged.
Is
this similar to Olympic judging ???
Well,
on the one hand, NO… it’s not a mathematical score of ZERO (0) to SIX (6).
Nevertheless,
we are also striving each day … and accepting that “success” is not something
we gain immediately.. but may take a lot of hard work…
Hard
work … to.
- Share your bread with
the hungry
- Shelter the oppressed
- Clothe the naked …
- Do not turn your back
on your own.
By
our Christian life, we can show that our concern – our love – is a matter not
of immediate success but rather effort to seek God’s help and be his light.. on
the lampstand ..in the world.
[__06] This
Sunday, we also observe World Marriage Sunday with a special prayer for all
husbands and wives in matrimony.
In
this sacrament, husbands and wives are also called to works of mercy…
SPIRITUAL
WORKS OF MERCY…
•Admonish the sinner
•Instruct the ignorant
•Counsel the doubtful
•Comfort the sorrowful
•Bear wrongs patiently
•Forgive all injuries
•Pray for the living and the dead
Marriage
and family life invites us to do all of the above, giving and receving, and with
compassion.
[1] (1 Corinthians 9:24-25) “Do you not
know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in
such a way that you may obtain it. And everyone who competes for the prize is
temperate [disciplined] in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable
crown, but we for an imperishable crown”
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