Readings: Hebrews 10:19-25, Psalm 24, Mark 4:21-25
“Is a lamp brought in to be put under a bushel, or under a bed, and not on a stand? For there is nothing hid, except to be made manifest; nor is anything secret, except to come to light.” (Mark 4:21-22)
Today’s Responsorial Psalm asks, “Who shall climb the mountain of the Lord? Who can stand in his holy place?” and answers, “The clean of hand and pure of heart whose soul is not set on vain things.” This Psalm reminds us of Jesus’ words in Matthew 5:8, “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.”
- What does it mean to be clean of hands and pure of heart? Today’s First Reading from the Letter to the Hebrews says: “Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.” (Hebrews 10:22). This calls for self-examination as against pointing fingers at others. Jesus said: “First take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye.” (Matthew 7:5)
- To be clean of hand and pure in heart, constantly tell yourself that you are a lamp. A lamp can never be hidden. A lamp remains a lamp even when no one is watching. As a lamp, you are meant to give light (that is, show a good example to others). You are meant to be different. You cannot afford to be part of the darkness of vice and evil surrounding our world.
- To be clean of hands and pure of heart means that you do not have any skeletons in your wardrobe. Being clean of hands and pure in heart means you have nothing to hide. By the way, we live in a world where it has become impossible to hide anything. With our latest technological gadgets and devices, one’s entire life history can be dug up in a minute. Jesus tells us in today’s Gospel passage: “For nothing is hidden, except to be made manifest; nor is anything secret, except to come to light.”
- Like the Parable of the Sower, Jesus directs today’s parable to those with ears. To have ears in this context is to be wise enough to avoid falling into the trap of sin, thinking it could be covered up. The only way to hide sin is to avoid it. Even if you were to kill all the witnesses, you can never hide sin; even if you are no more, the truth will be revealed one day. It is only a matter of time.
- Before you act, think! Think not only about the immediate result but also about the years to come. One question we can ask ourselves before taking action is: “Ten years from today, will I be proud of what I am about to do now?” The Letter to the Hebrews says: “Let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works.” (Hebrews 10:24). We can do this by telling each other the truth rather than partake in secrecy.
Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, wash us clean from all attachment to sin, evil, and deeds of darkness. We ask this through Our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever. Amen.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. May God’s abundant blessings be upon us all. (Thursday of week 3 in Ordinary Time, Liturgical Colour: Green. Bible Study: Hebrews 10:19-25, Psalm 24, Mark 4:21-25).
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu