Proclaim God’s marvelous deeds to all the nations. — Psalm 96:3 

Mass Readings: 2 Timothy 1:1-8 or Titus 1:1-5 / Mark 4:21-25 

Service, Not Safety 

In today’s first reading, St. Paul encourages and exhorts Timothy, the young pastor of the church at Ephesus. Pastoring a church is no easy task, demanding a readiness to face ridicule, even persecution, in order to safeguard sound doctrine and defend the faith. 

An old saying goes, “a ship in the harbor is safe but that’s not what ships are built for.” Jesus, in today’s Gospel, challenges those who would hide a lamp under a bed, rather than placing it on a lampstand. While a lampstand may be an easy target for criticism or vandalism, a lamp under a bed renders no useful purpose. Lamps are intended to spread light. Christians must spread the radiance of Christ. At every Mass we’re dismissed with these words, “Go in peace to love and serve the Lord.” Service, not safety, is our calling. 

Prayer: Light of the World, help me to fearlessly and faithfully reflect Your radiance.