Lucerna | The light

No one lights a lamp and puts it in a place where it will be hidden, or under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, so that those who come in may see the light. - Luke 11:33

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These verses teach us the importance of taking care of what we allow inside us, because from the abundance of what is in it, it will undoubtedly bubble to the surface and be reflected to others. As the Scripture says, from within us flow rivers of living water (John 7:38) or that from the abundance of the treasure of our heart is what we share with others (Luke 6:45). It is also said that from our deepest being is from which springs of life flow (Prov 4:23). Therefore, we must take care of our inner being with great diligence.

We have learned that what we have, we give to others. It is inevitable, the exterior will always be a clear reflection of our interior. If we do not cultivate our interior with the blessed Word of God, with meditation and prayer, or edifying actions, we will not be able to reflect the essence of a good Christian. Nor will we be able to give a word of encouragement or reach out a hand to those in need. We have been called to be light and salt of this world. One of the doors to our soul is the eye. Let's take care of what we see. Let us seek to take care of what we give entry to our mind, soul and heart so that our light is not dimmed. Also, so that we can keep our interior clean, pure and healthy and our Beloved can come to find a fruit that is sweet and pleasant to his palate.

Holy Spirit come and live in our hearts. Purify us from what does not please you, cleanse us with the water of your Word. Remove all darkness, bad thoughts, slander, root of bitterness, pain or even human thoughts that prevent us from listening to your sweet voice. Let us be that lamp that illuminates the walk of others. Let us be a reflection of your love to others at all times and that we can show the character of Christ through our actions. Amen!

Reflection on Luke 11:33-36 by Nydia Flores

(Listen to podcast here)

Ecce | Behold

"Behold, the bridegroom. Come out to meet him" — Mat 25:6 (NAB).

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There are so many photos that we take with our cameras. There are many views that we have already seen. There are dozens of movies that we have watched. These are natural and ordinary things. Yet, we also have our spiritual sense besides the sense of sight. And deep in our souls, we can behold the Son of God. 

Like Paul who saw Jesus Christ in the form of divine light during his journey to Damascus (Acts 9:1-22). As a result, he changed his behavior and became a true follower of him. 

Also, other writers and saints described a spiritual vision of Jesus Christ. You can read about it in their writings. Also, evangelists wrote about God using the same expressions (J 8:12). Even the Son of God says about himself that he is the light of the world. 

Like the ten virgins of the gospel, we are capable of seeing the Bridegroom. But it depends on how we accept the light. Are we prepared and eager to meet with this divine light? Because it takes courage to spend much time waiting for the Lord to come. It needs good preparation and patience. It also requires being brave and facing the darkness. 

In the image of lamps, we can recognize the holy sacraments which help us welcome the bridegroom. But do we miss him and need him in our life? 

We are going to ask him to open the door which is locked (v. 10). Most of us are sleepy and busy with other obligations but not spiritual matters. We need to meet the merchants who can sell us some knowledge and wisdom. Thus, we can understand better when the Lord is present. But it is wiser to spend time on prayer and meditation of the Scriptures. It is better to come out and stop our business for a while. Because the divine light appears and disappears. So we must be always ready to attend the wedding feast when it takes place. Perhaps tomorrow will be too late. Let's prepare ourselves for the coming of the kingdom of light. 

Reflection on Matthew 25:1-30 by Józef Trzebuniak

(Listen to the Podcast here)

Levate capita vestra (Lk. 21:28)

 

In our daily lives, we always touch, find, and use many signs. Apart from the signs of the natural world that exist and happen by the will of the Creator, many other signs are man-made. For example, signs of traffic on the streets, bells in schools, offices, places of worship, monasteries, and other public places. The purpose of these signs is for the common safety and good.

In today's Gospel, Jesus spoke of two important things: "sign and time." Jesus did not speak of his birth, two thousand years ago, as a weak infant. His birth became the greatest sign of love and gift from God the Father for the world. Jesus reminds us again of his second coming in this world that we do not know of his time. Jesus reminds us to be vigilant, attentive, and to repent of all our weaknesses and sins. Always gaze with the constantly burning lamps of our hearts and lest, the lamps of our hearts are extinguished because of our pride, envy, and lust. We must always be wise, lest we prepare a lamp but not prepare oil on it. “ But when these signs begin to happen, stand erect and raise your heads because your redemption is at hand.” The sign is always revealed, but time is always a secret of God. Time goes on and where it goes we never know. Time is precious, so let’s not waste it.

By. Sr. Maria Venidora, SND.