I like the juxtaposition in this gospel excerpt.  First Jesus tells us that hidden things and secret things are to be discovered, made visible and brought to light.  Then He tells us that more will be given the more we have, but if we don’t have it, we will lose it.

What does He mean?  He uses the image of the lamp to help us.  Lamps illuminate the darkness about us.  The effectiveness of lamps is increased as we position them to throw more light rather than less.  When we throw light on something and make it visible, what we thought might be secret is there for us to see.  What we can see is what was there all along, just not visible because there wasn’t enough light.  Jesus also brings in the sense of hearing.  If we have ears, we ought to hear what is there to be heard.

What is it that is hidden, that is brought to light, that is there for us to hear?  The true light of who we are and who we are called to be.  “The measure with which you measure will be measured out to you.”  What you value is how you will be valued.  As you value wisely, as you discover what the truth is about you that is hidden, then more understanding will be given to you.  You are moving in the right direction, you are growing, your growth fuels more growth, greater awareness, more light on the truth.  But if you place your lamp under a bushel basket or a bed, then you can’t discover the truth, you can’t grow, and what truth there is in you for you to discover will remain hidden from you. 

I think Jesus is saying – “You have to take the risk of putting your lamp on the table, where others can see it, for you to grow and discover.  If you keep your light hidden, not only won’t others see it, but you can’t grow and discover your truth.  It is right in front of you, and you will grow as you discover the truth and put it into your lives, but you have to light the lamp.”

My prayer today is that I can take the risk, that I can throw more light on the truth and grow in my understanding of who I am called to be.