god's word for you
"Is a lamp acquired to be put under a bushel basket or hidden under a bed? Is it not meant to be put on a stand?" —Mark 4:21
The above Scripture verse instantly transformed my life. While attending a retreat forty-two years ago, a friend wrote an encouraging note to me (see Heb 10:24-25) and concluded it with the above passage. I was intensely shy, attending the retreat only to gain solitude for prayer. My friend observed that God had given me spiritual gifts and a calling to share those gifts with a hurting world. The letter touched me, but it was the words of the Scripture that penetrated my timid heart (Heb 4:12). Rather than experiencing guilt and shame for gifts unused, Jesus' words ignited my heart with the desire of putting His light on the stand for others to see and glorify Him (Mt 5:15-16). Simultaneously, His words infused me with power, giving me a new heart to love others rather than fear them.
Jesus has a Scripture passage for you as well. His Word for you is life-giving (Mt 4:4), liberating (Jn 8:31-32), and sustaining (Heb 1:3). His Word will guide (Is 30:21) and direct your paths (Ps 119:105). Read His Word and find it. Perhaps God has already led you to that special Scripture. Your lamp is lit and you have placed it on the stand. Ask God for more; give that Word to others, and still more will be given to you (Mk 4:24). God surely wants to use you as He used my friend: to sow His Word abundantly (Mk 4:14). The Scripture you sow will not return to God void, but shall achieve His purposes in this world (Is 55:11).
Prayer: Father, may Catholics increasingly hear, love, read, understand, live, and spread Your Word.
Promise: "Let us hold unswervingly to our profession which gives us hope, for He Who made the promise deserves our trust." —Heb 10:23
Praise: St. John Bosco answered his call to lead youth to Christ. He is the patron of apprentices, school children, and juvenile delinquents.
Reference: (This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)
Rescript: †Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, July 16, 2018
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