Monday of the Twenty-fifth Week in Ordinary Time
We are familiar with the historic fact that the Jews, God’s chosen people, were subjected to slavery in Egypt and then finally liberated and settled in the Promised Land, where Solomon built a temple to honor God. Then the Persians came, destroyed the temple and enslaved the Jews. Finally, the pagan King Cyrus, as we read in today’s 1st Reading, liberated God’s people and ordered the rebuilding of the temple. So, what? What happened thousands of years ago means little to me. I’ve got my own problems that haunt me.
Isn’t it all history an attestation to God’s fidelity? Disasters happen. Don’t they show me that God can draw good out of evil? Don’t they show me that it is in time of darkness and sorrow when He strengthens confidence and faith in his presence. That’s what my problems now invite me to see.
The conclusion of the parable of the lamp in today’s Gospel offers me that insight. There is nothing hidden that will not become visible; nothing secret that will not be known and come to light. Jesus describes himself elsewhere as the Light. How do I turn on that light? By reading scripture; praying, especially by receiving the Eucharist as frequently as I can.
Resolve: In the light of what today’s readings teach me, I shall pray for those I know personally and for those I see in the media who have grater sufferings and problems than I.