Luke 8:16-18 NRSVue

16“No one after lighting a lamp hides it under a jar or puts it under a bed; rather, one puts it on a lampstand, so that those who enter may see the light. 17For nothing is hidden that will not be disclosed, nor is anything secret that will not become known and come to light. 18So pay attention to how you listen, for to those who have, more will be given, and from those who do not have, even what they seem to have will be taken away.”

Some thoughts on this scripture

Reflection
Lord, you are telling me something about your openness. You spoke plainly, hiding nothing, letting the truth appear. Following you is not entering a secret cult, nor relying on hidden prayers, formulas, or Da Vinci Codes, but trying with an open and honest heart to listen to the truth and learn from experience. I will pay attention to how I listen.

Reflection
God’s love and word is a lamp for our steps, a lamp that shines from the inside of our personalities. Nothing can put it out. The light is the light of the love of God, and often we can’t believe in this love. It is always there, shining in darkness, doubt, meanness and sin. We keep our light a secret too much. We hide our goodness from others. Prayer encourages us to admit and confess, not just our sins, but our wonderful beauty - each of us.

Reflection
Each of the sayings here concerns the role of the disciple. There can be no anonymous discipleship. The gospel calls us to live in light and truth, no matter what the cost. ‘Secret discipleship is a contradiction in terms, for either the secrecy kills the discipleship or the discipleship kills the secrecy.’

Reflection
Lord, to be a Christian today is challenging. In times of struggle I am tempted to hide my light, to remain anonymous, to be silent out of shame. Lord, when the wick of my lamp flickers and fades, strengthen its beam and let me be again a light-bearer, a beacon of hope to all whom I daily encounter.