A Homily on MArk 4: 21-25 Hidden Light (29-01-2026)

A reflection on Mark 4:21-25 Highlighting the journey From Hidden Light to Abundant Measure 

Praise be to Jesus Christ

There is a story told of a small village that suffered frequent power cuts. One evening, a family lit a single lamp and placed it near the window. Neighbors passing by noticed the glow and slowly gathered around, each lighting their own lamps from that one flame. By nightfall, the whole street was illuminated. The light did not diminish by being shared; rather, it multiplied. Jesus uses a similar image in the Gospel when He asks, “Do you bring in a lamp to put it under a basket or under a bed, and not on a lampstand?” In Mark 4:21–25, He invites us to reflect on light, measure, and responsibility—on how what we receive is meant not to be hidden but shared.

At the heart of this passage lies the striking principle: “Whoever has will be given more; whoever does not have, even what they have will be taken from them.” At first glance, this can sound harsh or unfair. Yet Jesus is not speaking about material possessions but about receptivity of the heart. To “have” means to welcome the light of God’s Word, to live by it, and to let it shape one’s life. When the Word is received with openness and acted upon, it grows brighter. When it is ignored, neglected, or hidden, it slowly fades. This echoes His earlier teaching: “The measure you give will be the measure you get, and still more will be given you” (Mark 4:24). Grace expands in the space we create for it.

Jesus’ image of light connects deeply with the wider biblical tradition. The psalmist proclaims, “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light for my path” (Psalm 119:105). Light is not merely for private comfort; it is for guidance and witness. In Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus says plainly, “You are the light of the world… let your light shine before others” (Matthew 5:14–16). The light entrusted to us—faith, insight, compassion, truth—is meant to be visible in our choices and relationships. When we live the Gospel openly, the light grows stronger, both within us and in those around us.

This dynamic of growth through use is found throughout Scripture. In the parable of the talents, those who invested what they were given received more, while the one who buried his talent lost even that (Matthew 25:29). Saint Paul captures the same truth when he urges Timothy to “fan into flame the gift of God” (2 Timothy 1:6). Gifts unattended grow cold; gifts exercised grow alive. The Kingdom of God operates not on hoarding but on faithful participation.

For families, this Gospel is a gentle reminder that faith grows when it is practiced. A family that prays together, forgives, and speaks about God keeps the lamp burning bright. When faith is treated as a private or occasional affair, it slowly dims. Parents are not asked to give perfect instruction, only faithful witness. Even small acts—lighting a candle, reading a verse of Scripture, showing mercy—become measures that God enlarges. As Saint John Chrysostom said, “The home is a little church.” What is nurtured there multiplies far beyond its walls.

For consecrated persons, this passage calls for vigilance and generosity. Religious life is a lamp placed deliberately on a stand for the sake of the world. The charisms, insights, and graces received in vocation are not meant to be preserved safely but poured out in service. When consecrated life becomes inward-looking or complacent, the light risks being hidden. But when it remains attentive to the Word and responsive to the needs of the world, God enlarges its fruitfulness. Saint Teresa of Calcutta often reminded her sisters, “We are not called to be successful, but faithful.” Faithfulness keeps the lamp burning.

Ultimately, Jesus’ words invite each of us to examine how we listen. “Pay attention to what you hear,” He says. Attention, openness, and action determine whether light increases or fades. God is always giving; the question is how much room we make to receive. When we live the Word, share it, and trust it, we discover that grace is never depleted. The more we give, the more we receive, until our lives themselves become a living lampstand for God’s glory.

Lord Jesus, Light of the world, help us to receive Your Word with open hearts…

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God Bless…