Shining the Light of Christ

Shining the Light of Christ

Reflection on Luke 8:16–18

Scripture Passage (Luke 8:16–18):

“No one who lights a lamp hides it under a vessel or puts it under a bed, but sets it on a lampstand, so that those who enter may see the light. For there is nothing hidden that will not become visible, and nothing secret that will not be known and come to light. Take care, then, how you hear. To anyone who has, more will be given, and from the one who has not, even what he seems to have will be taken away.”

 

In this short but powerful passage from Luke’s Gospel, Jesus uses the image of a lamp to speak to us about the nature of discipleship and the responsibility we have as bearers of His light.

He says that no one lights a lamp and then hides it. That would defeat the purpose. The lamp is meant to be placed on a stand so that its light reaches everyone in the room. The light Jesus speaks of is the truth of the Gospel, the light of faith, and the love of God that has been revealed to us.

When we were baptized, we received the Light of Christ. You may recall the moment in the baptismal rite when the priest or deacon gives a lit candle to the godparents and says: "Receive the light of Christ. This light is entrusted to you to be kept burning brightly." It is not a symbolic gesture—it’s a mission. We are called not just to receive the light, but to radiate it in the darkness around us.

How often, though, do we find ourselves hiding that light? Maybe it’s fear of being judged for our faith. Maybe it's convenience, complacency, or even shame. We blend into the culture, say nothing when something wrong is said or done, or live in ways that dim the witness of our faith. Jesus warns us not to hide the light but to let it shine.

He continues: “There is nothing hidden that will not become visible.” This is both a comfort and a challenge. On one hand, God sees everything—our struggles, our efforts, and the good we do that may go unnoticed by others. On the other hand, it also means that our hypocrisy, our hidden sins, and our lukewarmness will also come to light.

Jesus is calling us to a life of integrity—to live what we believe. Not just in church on Sundays, but in the quiet decisions we make every day. Our light is not only in our words but in our actions: in our kindness, our honesty, our courage, our mercy.

Then Jesus ends with what might seem like a paradox: “To the one who has, more will be given; and from the one who has not, even what he seems to have will be taken away.” This is a spiritual principle: the more we respond to God’s grace, the more we will receive. But if we ignore it, neglect it, or take it for granted, we risk losing even the little we have. Grace is meant to grow.

That’s why Jesus says, “Take care, then, how you hear.” Are we truly listening to Him? Not just hearing with our ears, but allowing His Word to penetrate our hearts and change the way we live?

Key Takeaway:
Let your life be a lamp set on a stand, not hidden under a bed. Live your faith openly and joyfully. The more you respond to God’s grace, the more it will grow within you—and through you, others will come to see the light of Christ.

Closing Prayer:
Lord Jesus,
You are the Light of the world. Thank You for placing Your light within my heart. Help me never to hide it out of fear or apathy, but to let it shine with courage and love. Teach me to hear Your Word deeply and respond with faith. May my life reflect Your truth, and may others be drawn to You through me.
Amen.