Mark 4:21-25 | Patrick Caulfield | A lamp is to be put on a lampstand

Mark 4:21-25   A lamp is to be put on a lampstand

Lampshade,  Painted by Patrick Caulfield (1936–2005), Printed in 1975, Screenprint on paper Jesus said to the crowd, ‘Would you bring in a lamp to put it under a tub or under the bed? Surely you will put it on the lamp-stand? For there is nothing hidden but it must be disclosed, nothing kept secret except to be brought to light. If anyone has ears to hear, let him listen to this.’ He also said to them, ‘Take notice of what you are hearing. The amount you measure out is the amount you will be given – and more besides; for the man who has will be given more; from the man who has not, even what he has will be taken away.’   READ MORE     Reflection on the Screenprint on Paper  Yesterday we discussed the parable of the sower. Today we have another short parable, that of the lamp. Parables are essentially comparisons that Jesus draws to make an essential point. It is putting something alongside something else to compare. We have to remember though that initially parables were to be heard and not necessarily to be read. The hearers of parables had to make an instant appraisal of what the teacher was saying. So there wasn't time for them to sit down with a black-and-white text and dissect each detail, and try and correspond it to spiritual truth… which is something that we can do now. It is important to bear in mind that Jesus would have used parables to make the one main fundamental point. Something he wanted to focus us on. Once we understand this central point, all other details fall into place. Ok, so now back to our parable of the lamp in today’s Gospel reading. Again, one central point:  one does not light a lamp just to hide it under a bed! That defeats the whole purpose of lighting a lamp. Same with our hearts and minds… if these have been illuminated by the Word of God, we mustn’t hide it. This does not simply mean that we have to witness our faith, but that everything should flow from that: being kind, looking after each other, shine enthusiasm, spread love, etc… Our painting is by Patrick Caulfield, an English painter and printmaker, whose bold canvases depict everyday object, such as our lamp, in simplified form and outlines. We pray that the light of the living Word may shine into our minds and upon our hearts… The Word of God is the light to our lives... the light on our journeys… by Patrick van der Vorst