The proper place of the Lamp

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season: Twenty Fourth Week : Monday*

*Gospel : Lk 8:16-18*

*First Reading : Prv 3:27-34*

*Responsorial Psalm : Ps 15:2-3a, 3bc-4ab, 5*

*The proper place of the Lamp*

*1) Lamp and the Vessel*

The Gospel of the day speaks about the burning lamp and its proper place 

In this context Jesus makes a mention of vessel and lamp under the vessel 

First of all it is not the proper place of the lamp. 

Secondly lamp can't survive under or inside the vessel

The lamp which is kept inside thr lamp finally goes off 

*2) Lamp and the Bed*

Jesus also makes a reference to the bed in the context of burning lamp 

It is very clear that, when the lamp is kept, it's light can't be seen or used by othes 

Lamp under the bed can also be the cause of some casualties 

If some one keeps a lighted lamp under the bed means, he/she is not knowing the importance of the lamp as well 

*3) Lamp on the Lampstand*

This is the right place for the lamp 

A lamp which is kept on the Lampstand can burn fruitfully

Such lamp gives full light 

Such lamp is seen by all 

Such lamp shows the right path 

Such lamp creates happiness

Such lamp is bring joy 

Such lamp is useful 

Such lamp gives beauty to the Lampstand 

*4) Lamp and Lampstand : Christ and Christian*

In the Lampstand there is a lamp 

In the Christian there is Christ

When someone separates these two, one loses its importance and usefulness 

Lamp with out Lampstand is useless 

Christian without Christ is useless 

A Christian should be a Lampstand for Christ, who is the light of the World 

*5) Life as Lamp and Lampstand*

Our life represents both these realities. Without this we have no existence 

First of all, life should a light which is the purpose of our life 

When life becomes burning light, through service, love, generosity, simplicity, sacrifice, it really makes our life meaningful and holy 

Life should also become like Lampstand which carries the lamp. As Jesus is the light of the World, He needs a stand. My life can become a good Lampstand to spread the light of Christ

How about lamp amd Lampstand in my life? 

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*