As we reflect on today’s readings, what guidance do they provide us for apostolic action? The first reading, from the Book of Ezra, provides the decree of Cyrus, the new king of Persia, which urges the people in exile in Babylon to return to the Promised Land. Cyrus declares that Yahweh has given him “all the kingdoms of the earth” and has charged Cyrus to build for God “a house in Jerusalem, which is in Judah.” For the Jews, this royal decree sends them home after years in exile—it is a decisive moment in the history of God’s chosen people.

For us, in exile in various ways from full union with the Lord, Cyrus’ decree is a reminder that we are always free to leave our own exiles of fear, discouragement, depression, sin, and return “home” to labor on our life’s work of knowing, loving, and serving God so that we can be happy with the Lord for all eternity.

Today’s Gospel offers similar guidance when Jesus speaks of freeing a lighted lamp from concealment and setting it on a lampstand “so that those who enter may see the light.” This little parable suggests that each of us is a lighted lamp, sometimes hidden under the bed of sin and distraction, possessiveness, and selfishness. We need to be vigilant, every day, to keep our light, the light of our faith in God, in full view as we work to build the Lord’s house, the Church, which is the People of God.

As the Gospel Alleluia today says, quoting Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount, “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father” (Matthew 5:16).

Let Us Pray:

Dear Lord, bring us home to you, freed from the exiles of selfishness, sin, and despair, so that we, as light of the world and salt of the earth, can help others find their way to you. Amen.