Homily for Monday of the 25th Week in Ordinary Time

Jesus' words in today's Gospel passage are a continuation of the theme of receiving and responding to the Word of God as described in His Parable of the Sower that we heard in this past Saturday's Gospel.

Those who hear the Word well, like the seed planted in rich soil, must respond in a manner that their hearing becomes fruitful and is spread to others.

In today's Gospel, Jesus uses the metaphor of light; those who hear the Word are called to act on it and become a light to others, sharing it in speech and action so that they, too, may be enlightened and thus open themselves to transformation.

To those who hear and respond to the Word well, even more graces will be given. Those who ignore the Word have much to lose.

We pray for receptive minds and hearts so that God's Word may permeate our entire being, and we pray that our response will bring others closer to God.