Whatever is good, especially if very good, we are oriented to desire more of it. Please stop reading this and experience how you want even more of what I am going to write. (I am doing the same as I prepare to write more.)
The good we have is okay, but if we just could have “one more” that would even be “More better.” This is simply basic human lust or longing for completion. The sad part for us is that we can never be complete while we remain in this life, but we can come quite close.
Today’s Gospel Reading for the Eucharistic liturgy has to do with what are we to do with what we receive. Jesus, in this chapter from Mark’s narrative, is using many familiar images to help His hearers to take in all He wishes them to have and take inside. Seeds scattered, smallest of seeds planted, are pictures of how Jesus is offering Himself and His message to be taken in through the ears and given flesh through the actions flowing outwardly.
Today’s image is a lamp, a light which, when lit, is not meant to be hidden in a tub or under a bed. Simple and clear enough in the hearing, but, what if we want more, a better lamp, light! Jesus tells His disciples that, what is hidden will be revealed and what is secret will be disclosed. To this we respond, “ah good, God is going to give us more, clearer, enough!” We will never have enough to complete Him on earth, one cookie, such as yourself, myself, is what He asks us to be and to share and not from under a tub or bed. Two cookies are always better than one and yet the one, limited, seems to be enough for Jesus to share with us.
Early in Mark’s Gospel four fishermen were called out of their boats and away from their nets. These cookies were being formed by their listening to Jesus, to be distributed, shared. They hear many things, are given much and more is coming, but only depending on how they reveal outwardly all they have inwardly received. Jesus’ relationship with them, and of course, with the readers or listeners to this Gospel, is oriented for display, for showing up and out and not showing off. His giving is for their living and the more will be given depending on its being lived.
In short, nothing of His, is mine! I am finishing this Reflection, because I do not have anything more or better to say and of course, I wish there were more. He gives the increase, I offer this one cookie-worth for you to munch. If it is good then it is from Him and for His sisters and brothers through you. Go! Let the secret out in the simplicity and crumbliness and goodness of your good-enough life.
Rev. Larry Gillick, SJ
I entered the Society of Jesus in 1960, after graduating from Marquette University High School in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and attending St. Norbert College for two years. I was ordained in 1972 after completing theological studies at the Toronto School of Theology, Regis College. I presently minister in the Deglman Center for Ignatian Spirituality at Creighton and give retreats.
I enjoy sharing thoughts on the Daily Reflections. It is a chance to share with a wide variety of people in the Christian community experiences of prayer and life which have been given to me. It is a bit like being in more places than just here. We actually get out there without having to pay airlines to do it. The word of God is alive and well.
