Lamp on Lamp Stand : Life on What stand?

Gospel Thoughts

*Third Week : Thursday*

*GOSPEL - Mk 4:21-25*

*First Reading - Heb 10:19-25*

*Lamp on Lamp Stand : Life on What stand?*

*1) Light on the Lamp Stand*

This is a beautiful image, which communicates a powerful message 

Lamp on the lamp stand first of all captures the attention of those who are around it 

Lamp on the lamp stand, can spread its light to vast area

Light on the lamp stand increases the dignity of the light 

Light on the lamp stand creates a beautiful and happy feeling and it changes the mood of the situation. 

*2) Importance of the stand*

If there no stand for the lamp then the brightness of the light becomes very less

Without the lamp stand the light can't spread its brightness to the vast area

With out the lamp stand, it loses its definitive place to keep it and anybody can change its place from position to another 

Without lamp stand the lamp becomes a moving thing, without having its own dignity. 

*3) Life is a burning Lamp*

God has created our life in such a way that it can be compared to a burning lamp 

Like burning lamp, life gives light, life is full of attractions, life is beautiful, life is colourful, life shows many things, life creates energy, life gives happiness, life conquers the darkness and its forces 

So burning lamp and life is closely connected with each other. 

*4) Where I have kept my burning life?*

Like that burning lamp needs the lamp stand, burning life or our life too needs the stands to spread its light. If then where is and what are my *life stands*? 

Like wise lamp stand we need life stand on which our life shines 

*Various stands could the following*

Life on the truth stand 

Life on the Humility stand 

Life on the justice stand 

Life on the smile stand 

Life on the hardwork stand 

Life on the sincerity stand 

Life on the simplicity stand 

Life on the forgiveness stand 

Life on the sacrifice stand 

Life on the generosity stand 

Life on the service stand 

Life on the relationship stand 

Life on the love stand 

The above mentioned stands are very powerful and most suitable stands for the life to spread its fragrance and beauty to others 

*5) Light under the bushel basket*

This light goes off immediately. It is not able to burn for very long time 

Secondly it can't spread its light to everyone, since the basket covers lits light. 

*6) Life under the bushel basket or under the bed*

If we are not careful life can simply go under the bushel basket or under the bed

Such a life spreads only darkness, negativity and hopelessness. 

These are some of the Bushel baskets which cover the burning  light of life.

The bushel basket of Pride

The bushel basket of arrogance

The bushel basket of revenge, 

The bushel basket of hatred 

The bushel baskets of gossip, anger, jealousy, indifference, prejudice, greed for money, power and for things, cheating etc 

The moment these bushel baskets enter into our life, it automatically affects the burning light of life and finally takes off the burning light of ones life. 

*7) Where is my burning light of Life?*

Have I kept it on the lamp stand to spread its beautiful light? 

Or have I hidden it under the bushel basket or under the bed? 

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*