2 Timothy 1:1-8; Psalm 95(96):1-3,7-8,10; Mark 4:21-25
Think of the ways we use light in our churches.
We have stained glass windows - the sun diffracting through these illuminates the world within in an ever changing way - at its best with the church lights off, and the sun low in the sky. God's gift of light caught by the artists and streamed into our eyes, can help us to experience God's immense love for us.
We have candles all around us. The eternal flame, in our case suspended in the middle of the sanctuary and glimmering red, reminds us of the permanent presence of Christ not just in the tabernacle, but also in the building, the people gathered, and in the actions of our Priests at consecration and the other sacraments. The eternal flame was kindled in the temple in Jerusalem, carried thence to all synagogues and then on into the earliest churches - making real our connection through Jesus to the old testament.
Candles on the altar during Mass help us to focus on that central place. Candles are also used on Sunday at the ambo when the Gospel is read. And we light votive candles to show our prayers offered for loved ons.
In the bible, light always means God, and darkness is the absence of God. Think of the passion of Christ - how we move from light to darkness, and then back to light on Easter morning. Today's Gospel, from Mark 4, reminds us to never hide the light away. Let the light of God's truth show in your world - even the most dim, palest flicker of light in a dark place, brings comfort, direction and safety. However weak we may feel our light is - to someone somewhere it might be the only light they experience today.
Place your light on a lamp stand!