3M Reflection & Hymn - Shine Your Light O Lord (Luke 8: 16-18)

Shine Your Light O Lord - Luke 8: 16-18 C Wk 25 Monday 0:00 Begin 2:40 Hymn A reflection on Luke 8:16–18 In Luke 8:16–18, Jesus teaches that no one lights a lamp and hides it under a vessel or a bed, but instead places it on a stand so that all may see the light. He continues with the striking words: “For nothing is hidden that will not be disclosed, nor anything secret that will not become known and come to light. Therefore consider carefully how you listen. Whoever has will be given more; whoever does not have, even what they think they have will be taken from them.” This passage reminds us that faith is never meant to be private or concealed. Just as a lamp has no purpose if hidden, so too the gift of faith must shine forth in our lives through word and action. We are called to be visible witnesses of Christ in the world. The light entrusted to us is not for our own comfort alone but for the illumination of others, that they too may walk in the way of truth and love. The warning about secrets coming to light speaks to the integrity of our discipleship. God knows our hearts and our intentions. We cannot hide behind appearances or empty practices. In time, the truth of our lives is revealed. The invitation, therefore, is to live transparently before God, allowing His light to penetrate our hidden places and bring healing and freedom. The final admonition—“consider carefully how you listen”—turns our attention inward. Faith begins with attentive listening, not only to the Word of God proclaimed in Scripture but also to the movements of the Spirit in daily life. When we listen with openness and humility, the Word takes root and grows, increasing our capacity for grace. But if we neglect this listening, even the little we possess may fade away. Thus, the passage challenges us to be both receptive and expressive: receptive in listening deeply to Christ, and expressive in allowing His light to shine through us. In doing so, we become lamps set on a stand—signs of hope, truth, and love in a world often shrouded in shadows. Let us pray. Lord Jesus, You are the Light of the world, and You have kindled the flame of faith within our hearts. Keep us from hiding this light in fear or selfishness; instead, help us place it where all may see Your love shining through our words and deeds. Purify our intentions and uncover what is hidden, so that our lives may be lived in truth before You. Open our ears to listen carefully to Your Word, and grant us the grace to grow ever deeper in faith, hope, and love. May we bear Your light with courage and joy. Amen. Hymn: Shine Your Light, O Lord Verse 1 A lamp is set upon the stand, To drive away the night; So may our lives before the world Reflect Your holy light. Chorus Shine Your light, O Lord, through me, Bright for all the world to see. Faith will grow when hearts believe, Life abundant we receive. Verse 2 No secret hidden will remain, All truth will be made known; So let our hearts be cleansed by grace, And live for You alone. Chorus Shine Your light, O Lord, through me, Bright for all the world to see. Faith will grow when hearts believe, Life abundant we receive. Verse 3 O teach us how to truly hear The whisper of Your voice; In every moment of our day To walk within Your choice. Chorus Shine Your light, O Lord, through me, Bright for all the world to see. Faith will grow when hearts believe, Life abundant we receive. Bridge Take what little, make it more, Open wide Your mercy’s door. We will serve, we will rejoice, Guided by Your Spirit’s voice. Verse 4 Give us the courage to proclaim The Gospel far and wide; That all may see Your radiant love And in Your peace abide. Final Chorus Shine Your light, O Lord, through me, Bright for all the world to see. Faith will grow when hearts believe, Life abundant we receive. Faith will grow when hearts believe, Life abundant we receive.