Catholic Homily for September 22, 2025
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Don’t Hide the Light—Let It Shine!
A grandmother once gave her grandson a small candle during a power outage. The boy lit it and ran around the house with delight. But he quickly hid it under a bowl so he could see the glow in secret. Within moments, the flame began to suffocate and went out. His grandmother chuckled and said, “Light is not meant to be hidden. It gives life when it shines for everyone.”
This simple moment captures the heart of today’s Gospel: light is given not to be covered but to illuminate.
In Luke 8:16-18, Jesus says: “No one lights a lamp and hides it under a jar or puts it under a bed. Instead, they put it on a stand, so those who come in may see the light.” He continues: “For there is nothing hidden that will not be disclosed… Therefore, consider carefully how you listen. Whoever has will be given more; whoever does not have, even what they think they have will be taken from them.”
The image of light is central. Light reveals, guides, and gives life. Jesus is the Light of the World, and those who receive His word are called to let that light shine. The teaching also warns that discipleship is not passive. Hearing the word demands living it out in public, visible ways.
The theme of light runs throughout Scripture. In Genesis 1, God’s first creative act is: “Let there be light.” In Exodus, the Israelites were guided by the pillar of fire at night. The Psalms proclaim: “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path” (Psalm 119:105).
The prophet Isaiah speaks of Israel’s mission: “I will make you a light to the nations, that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth” (Isaiah 49:6).
In the New Testament, John declares: “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it” (John 1:5). St. Paul echoes in Ephesians 5:8: “You were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light.”
The continuity is clear: from the first dawn of creation to the mission of the Church, God’s people are called to bear light.
St. Augustine reflected: “The lamp is faith, and it must not be hidden. It is lit so that it may give light to others.” He urged Christians to see faith not as private property but as a witness meant to draw others toward God.
St. Therese of Lisieux, with her “little way,” understood that even small acts done with love radiate light. She once said, “A word, a smile, is often enough to put fresh life into a despondent soul.”
Pope Benedict XVI explained that faith spreads like light—quietly, humbly, yet irresistibly. “Faith is a light: once your candle is lit, you cannot help but pass it on.”
The Church herself, through Vatican II’s Lumen Gentium, reminds us that Christ is the true light, but His light shines through His people in every age.
Living the Gospel in Daily Life
This Gospel speaks to the temptation to hide faith. We may fear ridicule, criticism, or rejection. Yet Jesus reminds us that light exists to shine.
In family life, being light may mean patience in arguments, forgiveness after hurt, or daily prayer together. In school, it may mean refusing to join in gossip or standing with the student who feels left out. At work, it may mean integrity in tasks or kindness in stressful situations.
Light is not about perfection; it is about presence. Even a small candle can push back deep darkness. Our task is to let Christ’s light radiate through ordinary words and deeds.
The Gospel also challenges us to listen carefully. Faith is not gained once for all. It grows when nurtured and fades when neglected. If we hold fast to the Word, more will be given; if we ignore it, even the little we think we have slips away.
Challenge from Today’s Gospel
Jesus’ words carry a sober warning: “Whoever does not have, even what they think they have will be taken from them.” This is not punishment but consequence. If we fail to live our faith, it dims and eventually disappears.
The challenge is to examine: Where am I hiding the light of faith? Do I silence my witness out of fear? Do I let the Word of God fade by neglecting prayer or charity?
Faith is a gift, but it is also a responsibility. Christ trusts us with His light. If we do not shine it, who will?
Today’s Prayer
Lord Jesus, You are the Light of the World. Shine in my heart and help me to share Your light with others. Remove fear and give me courage to live my faith openly, humbly, and joyfully. Amen.
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