Common Sense

“Is a lamp brought in to be placed under a bushel basket or under a bed, and not to be placed on a lampstand?" Mk 4:21

Spoiled by the availability of electricity in every corner of our country, we sometimes take its power, especially its ability to give us light, for granted. This would not have happened in the ancient world. Because oil was expensive and had to be used sparingly in lamps, the people of Jesus' day would have taken Jesus' question as a joke. Of course, anyone with common sense would put a lamp on a lampstand so that everyone in the house could benefit. Jesus knew how they would answer and uses their response as a platform from which to teach.

When we use the ordinary gifts of nature with care and discretion God's will for us is revealed. With the light of creation working together with the light of Christ we can see both our good deeds and sins, and we can see those in need and give to them generously as God gives to us. It is only when we ignore or deny what we see that we get in trouble. Jesus is most concerned that too many in his own religious community put lamps under bushel baskets and beds of denial, making it impossible for them to live the Torah with passion and integrity.

Nature is often a wonderful teacher, but if we fail to listen to its rhythms, we miss its lessons and turn away from God's path. We are all called to be lights in the world and examples for others. When we allow our light to brighten the path of others, we help them discover the God who is always there and show them how to influence others for good.

Today, thank God for advances in science and technology that allow us to see and hear people and events all over the world.

What in nature most astonishes you?