January 27, 2005 - Thursday, 3rd Week in Ordinary Time

Light of the Gospel

Readings:
Heb 10:19-25; Ps 24:1-2, 3-4, 5-6; Mk 4:21-25

Opening Prayer

Lord our God,
we can perceive the brightness
of the message of Jesus your Son
only in the shade.
Make our faith grow, give us trust,
that what we now see
in obscurity and mystery
may grow clearer in our minds
and more evident in our actions.
And never allow us to obscure or hide
the kindly light
of Jesus Christ our Lord.

Liturgy of the Word

First Reading Introduction
         Followers of Christ are sure, confident people, for we have Christ, our mediator. His blood opens the door of heaven to us. The sacraments of initiation, received in faith, actualize in us the sacrifice of Christ.

First Reading: Heb 10:19-25

So, my friends, we are assured of entering the Sanctuary by the blood of Jesus who opened for us this new and living way passing through the curtain, that is, his body. Because we have a high priest in charge of the House of God, let us approach with a sincere heart, with full faith, interiorly cleansed from a bad conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.

Let us hold fast to our hope without wavering, because he who promised is faithful. Let us consider how we may spur one another to love and good works. Do not abandon the assemblies as some of you do, but encourage one another, and all the more since the Day is drawing near.

Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 24:1-2, 3-4, 5-6

R (see 6) Lord, this is the people that longs to see your face.

The LORD's are the earth and its fullness;
the world and those who dwell in it.
For he founded it upon the seas
and established it upon the rivers.
R (see 6) Lord, this is the people that longs to see your face.

Who can ascend the mountain of the LORD
or who may stand in his holy place?
He whose hands are sinless, whose heart is clean,
who desires not what is vain.
R (see 6) Lord, this is the people that longs to see your face.

He shall receive a blessing from the LORD,
a reward from God his savior.
Such is the race that seeks for him,
that seeks the face of the God of Jacob.
R (see 6) Lord, this is the people that longs to see your face.

Gospel Introduction
    In the gospel, the parable presents Jesus’ message as a lamp that cannot be hidden; it will blaze brightly in the end time. We must give a generous response to his message of light.

Gospel Reading: Mk 4:21-25

Jesus also said to the crowd, "When the light comes, is it to be put under a tub or a bed? Surely it is put on a lampstand. Whatever is hidden will be disclosed, and whatever is kept secret will be brought to light. Listen then, if you have ears!"

And he also said to them, "Pay attention to what you hear. In the measure you give, so shall you receive and still more will be given to you. For to the one who produces something, more will be given, and from him who does not produce anything, even what he has will be taken away from him."

Commentary

JESUS begins to use images to describe what his disciples are to be in the world. Lampstands that disclose whatever is hidden, that uncovers what is not noticed. And we are warned that the measure we use for our dealings with others will be the same used by our God in measuring our value and reward. We are questioned if what we do and how we do it is for the kingdom of God or for ourselves?

Angela Merici and her companions, the Ursulines set about bringing light into the world by teaching and caring for young women and girls, giving them a place in the world, a way to develop their skills and to live with dignity and hope. Who are the people today who need this kind of lamp, this kind of protection and help to make their way in the world? Will we be remembered for making others aware of these people?

General Intercessions

–   Lord, let the light of our love shine when we are more understanding and friendlier to one another and when we share more readily with those  in need, we pray:

–   Lord, let the light of our joy shine on earth when we show more sympathy and affection to one another, when we are faithful to our friendships and concerned about our communities, we pray:

–   Lord, let the light of our faith shine on earth when we, your sons and daughters, live as children of light before you and in the sight of people, we pray:

Prayer over the Gifts

Lord God, Father of light,
the presence of Jesus, your Son
will be hidden in these simple signs
of bread and wine,
yet we ask you to let his Spirit of light
shine on us and on our world,
that we may understand ourselves
and what you call us to be and do,
and that we may see
how you take us by the hand,
through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Prayer after Communion

Lord our God,
you alone are light without shadows
and we are grateful
that you do not blind us with its brightness
but let it shine in the humanity
of your Son Jesus Christ.
Let it also shine in our humanity,
in our concern for one another,
in our goodness and generosity of heart,
in our timid attempts to follow your Son,
Jesus Christ, our Lord for ever.

Blessing

Let your light shine! Or rather, let the light of Christ shine in you, for we are only lights of faith to the extent that we reflect the light of Christ’s message and life. May almighty God bless you, the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

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