Let Your Light Shine!
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Introduction
The Gospel Enquiry is always about Jesus first and then us as his followers and co-workers. This dynamic, this movement is what is called “evangelisation.” Jesus says something, does something, which defines who he is and his mission. Jesus is a storyteller. He tells simple stories to confront us with ourselves and to encourage us to live in the way God intends us to live. The Gospel is indeed “good news.” It is first, good news about Jesus, who he is and what he says and does; and it is good news about us and about how we can live like him. We are gifted with hope through receiving the Gospel with a joyful heart, mind, spirit and soul.
The Enquiry is structured according to the See, Judge, Act method developed by Cardinal Joseph Cardijn (1882-1967). Each part has three sets of questions. It is not unusual to find that other (and better) questions are generated from responses and that some or most questions posed in the Enquiry become redundant. Or, as the Gospel you will read tells us, as you seek to understand what Jesus is saying, and you do this by questioning the Gospel, you will grow in understanding. The Holy Spirit prompts us through our questing/questioning minds.
May you discover this through the journey you are about to make.
The Gospel
Then Jesus said to them, “Do you hide a lamp under a bowl or under a bed? No! You put the lamp on a lampstand. Everything that is hidden will be made clear and every secret thing will be made known. Let those with ears use them and listen!
“Think carefully about what you hear. The way you give to others is the way God will give to you, but God will give you even more. Those who have understanding will be given more. But those who do not have understanding, even what they have will be taken away from them.”(4:21-25)
The Enquiry
See
What is happening here? Why does Jesus “talk in riddles”? What is there to “see” and “hear”? When have you used stories to help others understand something about how to live life well? And what happened because you told those stories?
What do we learn about Jesus from these two parables? Why does he warn us to take care with listening? What does he want us to “hear”?
What does Jesus tell us about the consequences of “listening” and “hearing” And what happens to those who choose to not listen and not “hear”?
Judge
What doe you think about Jesus’ teaching in these two parables? Is it likely that you might be hiding your lamp under your bed, so to speak? What do you think about the idea that understanding is a gift that increases through accepting and using it as a gift?
As you reflect on Jesus’ parables in this Gospel, what insights have you received about the gift of faith you have been given? Or do you think your faith is of your own making? What is your lamp and what is the lamp stand? What part do they play in your understanding of the meaning and significance of your life?
How is your knowledge of Jesus and your relationship with him challenged by what you have learned from reflecting on these parables?
Act
What needs to change in your life so that your faith in Jesus will help people around you grow in understanding about their relationship with themselves, with others, with creation and with God?
What simple action can you commit to that will be a light to others and help them discover Jesus present in the world?
Who can you involve in your action and how and when will you get them to participate in your action?
Author: Pat Branson
Image Source: https://www.pottypadre.com/tag/parables-of-jesus/