THE WORD
2 Tim 1,1-8 / Mk 4,21-25
Jesus said to them, "Is a lamp brought in to be placed under a bushel basket or under a bed, and not to be placed on a lampstand? For there is nothing hidden except to be made visible; nothing is secret except to come to light. Anyone who has ears to hear ought to hear." He also told them, "Take care what you hear. The measure with which you measure will be measured out to you, and still more will be given to you. To the one who has, more will be given; from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away."
IN OTHER WORDS
In 1953 when I entered the seminary as a high school graduate, electronic keyboards were not yet invented. Instead the seminary had harmoniums which were pedaled to help produce the music. There were two or three seminarians who took turns in playing the harmonium to accompany the community singing during Holy Mass or play during the Eucharistic benedictions. Since I previously had some piano lessons, I asked myself: Should I volunteer to be one of the organists or should I do nothing with my musical talents? Eventually I asked my superior: Is it a sin not to use my musical talents? My question surprised him but he said no. Following my conscience I then volunteered to be one the harmonium players.
Today's gospel is quite clear: a lamp should not be put under a bushel but placed on a lamp stand. Although all have different talents, we are asked to use them for the sake of others. We do not live alone for ourselves because we belong to all sorts of social ties.
- Leonardo Mercado, SVD (CTManila)
The Word in other words 2017
An annual project of Logos Publications, The WORD in Other Words Bible Diary contains daily scripture readings and reflections written by priest, brothers, and sisters of the three congregations founded by St. Arnold Janssen (the SVD, SSpS, and SSpSAP). It hopes to serve as a daily companion to readers who continually seek the correlation of the Word of God and human experience.
