+ We have listened for many weeks about the chastising of idolatrous practices and the calling back to the right relationship with God.
Now, we turn to proverbial wisdom in Proverbs. How should we act with other people? How should we treat one another? If someone is hungry or thirsty, what is the obvious thing that we should do?
The little proverbial advice seems to be moving in the direction of Gospel-living. And as these sayings are attempting to shape and form a just and good person, they emphasize the living and not just saying of these things.
It is kind of an echo of the words attributed, allegedly, to St. Francis —
“Speak the Gospel at all times, and when necessary, use words.”
Live it!
+Jesus pounds the same message into the crowds as he compares them to a lit lamp which is meant to give light to all, not to be covered up. All things will eventually become known. And in Jesus’ last piece of advice, he cautions all to hear, to listen, and to take care how you hear and listen. In an also very proverbial way, Jesus sums it up saying —
“To anyone who has, more will be given …”
Nice, indeed! But, Jesus also cautions —
“And from the one who has not, even what he seems to have will be taken away.”
And although this (what I am about to say) is not a literal translation of that, one could perhaps say, use it or lose it!
The Gospel is meant to be lived! And the Gospel verse today gives a good explanation of what that will accomplish —
Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father.
The Father always glorifying us with grace and blessing and love, and peace and goodness and life, life, life!
