The need of a Stand for the Lamp - Lamp stand

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 25th Week : Monday*

*Gospel : Lk 8:16-18*

*First Reading : Prv 3:27-34*

*The need of a Stand for the Lamp - Lamp stand*

*1) Lamp and the Lamp Stand*

The Gospel of the day speaks about Lamp and the Lamp stand 

Both the things, lamp and the lamp stand are necessary. 

A lamp without a stand can't shine well and a stand without the lamp has no meaning 

*2) Lamp on the Lamp Stand*

It gives a special look to the lamp and it adds beauty to the stand 

Lamp on the lamp stand can be seen by all and it captures the attention of many 

Lamp on the Lamp Stand can shine well and it gives better light or the light is reflected in a better way 

Lamp on the Lamp stand becomes a attraction to Evey one 

*3) Jesus the Light and Lamp and we are the Lamp stands*

Jesus says that *I am the light of the World* John 8:12. So Jesus is the Shining lamp. 

This Shining lamp needs a powerful stand. 

Can we see that our life as a Lamp stand for Jesus who is the shining Lamp with bright light?  

Its very important to turn our life as Lamp Stands for Jesus who is light of the World 

*4) Various Lamp Stands in our day today life*

Lamp needs Lamp stand

loving heart is a stand for Love 

Sacrifice is a stand Generosity

 Repentance is a stand for forgiveness

Pity is the stand for sharing 

Humility is the stand for learning 

Simplicity is the stand for genuine life 

So each value of Jesus needs a stand,  through which it can be shown to the entire world

So will my life be reflected as a powerful stand for Kingdom Values? 

*5) What type of stand my life is?*

Today when I reflect about my life, what type of stand it symbolises? 

Is it a stand for forgiveness?

Is it a stand for guidance? 

Is it a stand for truth? 

Is it a stand for justice? 

Is it a stand for unconditional love? 

Is it it stand for simplicity, humility, sacrifice, sharing, creativity, and for various kingdom values?

Or 

Is my life a stand for duplicity, corruption, greed, hypocrisy, revenge, anger, jealousy, gossip etc??

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*