Gospel: Mark 4:21-25
Jesus said to his disciples,
“Is a lamp brought in to be placed under a bushel basket
or under a bed,
and not to be placed on a lampstand?
For there is nothing hidden except to be made visible;
nothing is secret except to come to light.
Anyone who has ears to hear ought to hear.”
He also told them, “Take care what you hear.
The measure with which you measure will be measured out to you,
and still more will be given to you.
To the one who has, more will be given;
from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away.”
The Gospel of the Lord.
The Mass intention is for Sean Drumm RIP.
Reflection:
As a student, St Thomas Aquinas was famously called a ‘dumb ox’ by his mentor St Albert the Great probably because of his size and quietness in lessons. However, St Albert also made a prediction of his mentee, “We call him the dumb ox, but one day he will emit such a bellowing in his teaching that it will be heard throughout the world”. Indeed, credit goes to Thomas for writing “Summa Theologica”, an instructional guide for theology students, seminarians, and laity alike. Apart from this, he also composed the liturgical texts for the feast of Corpus Christi. In today’s Gospel, Jesus asked “Is a lamp brought in to be placed under a bushel basket or under a bed, and not to be placed on a lampstand?”. Thomas knew where to put the lamp illumined by the light of Christ – at the service of God and people. Doing so, he was given more. A story goes that, toward the end of his life, Thomas had a vision of Christ on the Cross and was asked by Our Lord what reward Thomas wanted for all he had written well of Him. He answered, “Non nisi te, Domine”-only you, Lord. Never to be outdone in generosity, the Lord soon granted his wish. He gained eternal life.
- “Better to illuminate than merely to shine, to deliver to others contemplated truths than merely to contemplate.” (St Thomas Aquinas). How are you as a light for others?
- “In this world there is no perfect security, since the more someone has and the higher his position, the more he has to fear and the more he wants.” (St Thomas Aquinas). Where do you invest your life and why?
- “Eternal life consists in the pleasant companionship of all the blessed, a companionship that is replete with delight, since each one will possess all good things together with the blessed.” (St Thomas Aquinas). Who do you look forward to sharing eternal life with?
Lord Jesus, thank You for Your Word today. Through the prayers and example of St Thomas Aquinas, may our faithful witnessing enlighten our homes, workplaces, and communities. Doing so may we all gain eternal life with You. Amen.