1/29/2026 (Thursday) Today’s Gospel reading: Mark 4:21-25

21 Jesus said to his disciples, “Is a lamp brought in to be placed under a bushel basket or under a bed, and not to be placed on a lampstand?
22 For there is nothing hidden except to be made visible; nothing is secret except to come to light.
23 Anyone who has ears to hear ought to hear.”
24 He also told them, “Take care what you hear. The measure with which you measure will be measured out to you, and still more will be given to you.
25 To the one who has, more will be given; from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away.”

1/29/2026 (Thursday) Today’s Gospel reflection / homily / sermon: Mark 4:21-25

The message of the Gospel reading above challenges us to reflect on how we live out what we already know. The imagery is simple yet profound: light is meant to be seen, not hidden. Knowledge, truth, and faith are not given to us for private storage but for responsible sharing. In today’s world, where information is abundant but wisdom is scarce, this message feels more urgent than ever.

We live in an age of visibility. Social media platforms allow us to showcase ideas, opinions, talents, and beliefs instantly. Yet visibility alone is not the same as purpose. The question is not whether our lives are seen, but whether they illuminate. Faith, values, and integrity are meant to guide others, not through loud proclamations, but through consistent and authentic living. When we hide what is good out of fear, comfort, or indifference, we deprive others of light they may desperately need.

The passage also calls us to listen carefully. Hearing is not passive; it demands attention and intention. In a noisy world filled with competing voices, careful listening requires discipline. Many people hear motivational talks, sermons, and advice daily, yet little changes because what is heard is not applied. Growth happens when listening leads to reflection, and reflection leads to action.

The heart of this message comes alive in its final teaching: what we give is what we receive. This principle plays out clearly in everyday life. Generosity breeds generosity. Kindness often returns as kindness. Time invested in others strengthens relationships. On the other hand, indifference produces distance, and selfishness leads to isolation. Life responds to the measure we choose to use.

In modern society, this truth challenges our tendency toward minimal effort. We often ask, “What is the least I can give?” is it the least time, the least patience, the least compassion? Yet the passage invites us to ask a better question: “What kind of measure do I want life to return to me?” If we want understanding, we must invest in learning. If we desire trust, we must practice honesty. If we long for hope, we must become people who sow hope.

The warning is gentle but clear: neglect what you have, and it will slowly fade. Skills unused weaken. Relationships ignored cool. Faith unpracticed becomes shallow. But when we nurture what we’ve been given, however small, it grows, deepens, and multiplies.

This message invites us to live intentionally. Shine where you are. Listen with care. Give generously of your best self. The life you build tomorrow is shaped by the measure you choose today.

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