January 30, 2025

When we sit down to pray, can we let our façade, the identity we think we should present to the world, crumble, leaving us open and vulnerable?  When we empty out, we make room for the Holy Spirit.  Can we simply be, and listen for Spirit?  When we are fully present, God is present.

Mark 4:21-25

In today’s reading, the example of the lamp being brought out to be put on a lampstand and not hidden under a bushel basket usually means that we should let our light shine forth.  We should spread the teachings of peace.  But here it also can mean that “nothing is secret except to come to light.”  Letting our secrets be known to God and not hiding them, but letting our façade fall away, is part of this meaning.  In this state, we do not know anything with certainty and we do not hide behind ideas about our identiy, but we are attentive to what Spirit tells us.

The reading goes on to say that the measure with which you measure will be measured out to you. That is, what you value will rule your life, and it will be the pattern by which you live. If you value competition and ambition, that is what your life will be. If you let that go, your life will be boundless.  Therefore choose carefully, and “take care what you hear.”  To the one who is oriented to the material world, even more will be given, but will that help them?  To the one who has not, the one who abides in nonself and openness, even what he has will be taken away, the Scripture says.  Is that so bad, to simply be with God? 

Amen.