Third Thursday in Ordinary Time
Thursday, January 30, 2025
Third Week in Ordinary Time
Heb 10:19-25/Mk 4:21-25 (Lectionary #320)
The “inner circle” of Jesus’ disciples may have thought they were privileged. He wanted them to understand that their privilege was preparation: whatever they got from him, it was so they could give it to others. If they were “brought in,” it was in order to be sent out: “Is a lamp brought in to be put under the bushel basket, or under the bed, and not on the lampstand?” He explained things to them in private only because others weren’t ready to hear them yet. “Things are hidden only to be revealed at a later time; nor is anything kept secret, except to be brought to light.”
Having made clear by the commissioning of the Twelve that Christianity is a group endeavor to establish the “reign of God” on earth, Jesus makes it even more clear that an individualistic focus on private self-fulfillment has no place in his Church. Being “saved” and saving others go together. Jesus has no sheep who are not called to be shepherds, and no disciples who are not sent to teach. Love is by nature self-bestowing. We cannot accept love well without becoming loving. Any light not shining is extinguished. If we are not giving life to others we are dead.
All this is simply what it means to be created in the image of God and, beyond that, to be divinized by sharing in the life of God himself. God is by nature creative. God could not be God and not give himself: Father giving to Son, Son to Father, and both to the Holy Spirit, who gives himself in return. Likewise, God gives himself in and through creation. He gives himself in and through grace. He cannot stop giving or hold himself back. He “gives the Spirit without measure” (John 3:34).
How can we share in the life of God without sharing it with others? Jesus said, “Listen carefully; this is important: in the measure you give you shall receive….” And since God is God, who cannot be outdone in generosity, he adds, “and more besides.”
A principle is at work here: “To those who have, more will be given.” Any gift gratefully received from God arouses us to open our hearts for more, which impels us to give more to others (2Corinthians 5:14). This is to keep growing in love.
Those who think they “have nothing” to share — no truth, no witness to give, no love, no experience of God, —will be proven right, because what they have will be “taken away” from them — not by God, but by their failure to recognize it. We realize the grace we have when we try to share it with others.
Initiative: Share with someone one thing you know or (better) feel about God.
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