What happens, when the lamp is covered under bushel basket?

Gospel Thoughts

*Ordinary Season : 25th Week - Monday*

*GOSPEL - Luke 8:16-18*

*First Reading - Ez 1:1-6*

*What happens, when the lamp is covered under bushel basket?*

*1) Lamp which is kept under the bushel basket*

When the burning lamp is kept under the Bushel Basket the following things will happen

First of all the lamp will not be able to burn, since it needs an open space and air for buring. So the moment the lamp is covered with the bushel basket, it goes off. 

Secondly, a lamp which is kept under the bushel basket, even if it shines for some times, the light will not come out. It fails to shine its light to the needy. 

Thirdly a burning lamp which is covered under the bushel basket, turns the space into black, inside the basket, which makes everything dark. So a lamp which is covered under the bushel basket finally creates only dark and darkness

*2) Lamp can't survive without burning*

Only when a lamp burns, it call it as lamp. A lamp which is not able to burn ceases to exist as lamp 

The identity of the lamp consists in burning and light. If these two things are missing, then there is no lamp at all 

A lamp which is unable to burn is considered to be the waste things which is discarded and disposed 

So a lamp can't exist without burning 

*3) The need of lamp and light*

We can't survive without light. Even the plants need the light and other things 

Since almost 10-12 hours per day is covered with darkness, the need of light and lamp is very much necessary in our lives 

Darkness creates fear, anxiety, confusion, chaos, disorder and utter failure. Where as light fills us with hope, courage, happiness, joy, enthusiasm, and gives us right direction

The above things help us to understand the importance of the Lamp and light 

*4) Burning Candle and the Sacrament of Baptism*

With the sacrament of Baptism we start our faith life. It is the birth of faith life, it is the birth of Christian life 

In the ceremony of Baptism, there is a special reference for the lighted candle, which was lighted from the Paschal candle, Symbol of Risen Christ, and given to the Parents and Godparents

As the lighted candle was given the following words are spoken by the priest *Receive the Light of Christ: Parents and Godparents, this light is entrusted to you to be kept burning brightly. This child of yours has been enlighted by Christ. He/she is to walk always as a Child of Light. May he/she keep the flame of faith alive in his/her heart. When the Lord comes, may he/she go out to meet him with all saints in the heavenly Kingdom*

So the Question is how is this light?  

*5) Is my lamp of life, under the Bushel?*

Our life is like a lamp. It should burn and dispel the darkness which is around us. 

But the question is, is my lamp of life under the bushel or on the lamp stand? 

When life is lived according to the Kingdom values, it really shines like the lamp on the stand. 

But when the life is lived according to the Wordly standards, the lamp of life goes under the bushel, where it fails to shine, and it goes off. 

*So what is the condition of the lamp of my life?*

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*