Prov 3:27-34/ Psa 15:2-5/Luke 8:16-18.
Both the First Reading and the Gospel present wise sayings that are disjointed sayings put together for the purpose of sapiential instruction.
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The author of the Book of Proverbs puts together in the First Reading a series of wise sayings that may be classified as sayings about relationship with others.
Despite their disjointed character, it is possible to group them together for didactical purposes.
The first group of wise sayings focuses on not withholding good from those who deserve it.
If we need to do something good to a neighbour, there is no need delaying it because the person who gives promptly gives twice.
The second group of sayings concerns accusing a neighbour falsely or plotting against the neighbor or again harming him/her.
Such behaviour is against the ninth commandment and must be avoided.
The third category of sayings addresses the envy of a violent person.
God says there should be no envy of the violent person because such a person is hated by God.
It is the righteous that enjoys God’s fellowship so we should strive for righteousness and not violence.
The fourth category of proverbs speaks of the wise person.
The wise are honoured by God because of their wisdom. On the contrary fools are shamed.
We can add to what is said in the First Reading the sayings of Jesus in the Gospel Reading because they fall in the same category of the sayings of the wise.
Jesus focuses on the function of a lamp as a symbol for the manner that Christians are to live in the world.
In a world where the lamp is no more in common use and streetlights not in our towns and cities, it may be difficult to appreciate the saying of Jesus in this passage.
The lamp was an important source of light for generations without electricity.
A single lamp was used to light up a compound and all in the house benefited from it.
Jesus exhorts the Christian to be like a lamp that brightens the environment where he is found.
The good life of the Christian should have a positive impact on all around so that they may benefit from his/her presence.
This calls for transparent and good actions on the part of the Christian.
It is a responsibility that he/she cannot shed because of selfishness.
The consciousness that nothing under the sun can remain hidden should urge the Christian to do all things in broad daylight.
It is in this way that his/her actions will shine forth for others to see.
When he/she stands out as an example for others to follow, then he/she can be said to be a lamp on a lamp-stand. Amen.
