Certain scientific experiments are both simple and fascinating. One such experiment, which many of us have seen or tried, involves creating fire using a magnifying glass. In this experiment, the magnifying glass is placed in front of a piece of paper or cotton, allowing sunlight to pass through and forming a small bright dot. After some time, if the sunlight is strong enough, the paper will catch fire. The magnifying glass serves as a medium, focusing the sun's heat onto the paper to generate fire.
When we embraced Christianity, at our baptism we were bestowed with the radiant light of faith. The candle ignited during our baptism serves as a poignant symbol of this truth. Yet, the parable challenges us: How do we utilize the brilliance of our faith? It's a struggle for many of us to let our faith illuminate our lives, often choosing to conceal it. In today's increasingly secular world, openly displaying our faith can sometimes lead to mockery. But remember, the power of our faith is not to be underestimated.
What was once a source of pride for Christians may now feel awkward or uneasy. We might hesitate to bow before the Blessed Sacrament, make the sign of the cross before meals, or speak about Jesus in secular settings. "My faith is my private affair," many think or say. "NO." Jesus responds, "Your faith is not your private affair. It must shine in your family, in your neighborhood, in your workplace, in your society, in your country."
The sun's nature is to illuminate and enliven the entire planet. However, when a magnifying glass is placed in the sun's rays over a piece of paper, the sunlight can ignite a fire.
In a similar way, our lives as Christians are meant to act like magnifying glasses, allowing God's light to pass through us to ignite the world with His love. In today's Gospel, Jesus tells His disciples, "No one, after lighting a lamp, covers it with a bowl or places it under the bed; rather, he places it on a lampstand so that people coming in may see the light" (Luke 8:16).
Do we allow God's Word to work in us, transforming our lives and bringing joy to the depressed? Do we let God's power guide us, bringing healing to the suffering? Do we allow the seed of God's Word to take root in us, offering mercy to the sinful, strength to the weak, and acceptance to the wayward? Remember, God's Word is not just a message, but a transformative force that can change lives and bring hope to the world.
As Christians, we are called to be like magnifying glasses, allowing God's Word to permeate through us and kindling others with His love. "The nature of God's love is to shine upon and enliven the entire universe. When we unite with Jesus, our Lord, we act as a magnifying glass, and this light of God's love turns into a fire, setting the world ablaze with His radiance."
Father Boby John, C.S.C., ordained a priest in the Congregation of Holy Cross in 2008, worked as a pastor and as an educator with tribal populations in Northeast India for thirteen years. Originally from Kerala, India, Father Boby grew up with three siblings. He is a dedicated and detailed educationist with experience in educational leadership. He is currently working as an executive assistant at the world headquarters of Holy Cross Family Ministries, North Easton, Massachusetts.
