Maymay sa Magbalantay

“Jesus says something very simple but very disturbing: “Is a lamp brought in to be put under a basket? … Nothing is hidden except to be made visible.”

This is not only about light. This is about the kind of life a disciple lives.

Here are three reflections for us today.

1. Faith is not meant to be hidden

A lamp is meant to shine.

But many of us today practice a hidden Christianity.

We are Catholic in church, but silent in public life.

We pray, but we are afraid to speak about what is right.

We believe in honesty, but we keep quiet when corruption happens around us.

We value life, but we do not defend it when it is attacked.

Jesus is asking: Why is your faith under a basket?

In our Filipino setting today — with so much confusion, noise, fake news, moral compromise, and fear of offending others — many prefer a “quiet faith.”

But Jesus did not say, “Hide the lamp so nobody gets uncomfortable.”

He said: Let it shine.

Not to show off. But to show the way.

2. The light is seen most in dark times

You don’t notice a lamp at noon.

You notice it at night.

And we are living in times when many people feel darkness:

• families struggling
• people anxious about the future
• anger in social media
• division in society
• loss of trust in leaders
• young people confused about direction

This is exactly the time when Christians must shine more. How?

Not by preaching loudly, but by living differently:

• by being patient when others are harsh
• by being honest when others cheat
• by being calm when others panic
• by being kind when others attack

Your quiet goodness in dark times is already a bright lamp.

People may not listen to sermons, but they always notice light.

3. “The measure you use will be measured back to you”

Jesus ends with a warning: The way you live your faith will determine how much faith grows in you.

If you give little kindness — you receive little peace.

If you give little forgiveness — you receive little freedom.

If you give little faith — you experience little grace.

But if you are generous in living your faith, God becomes generous in filling your life.

This is the secret many forget:

Faith grows when it is shared.

The lamp burns brighter the more it is used.

Jesus is asking us today: Where is your lamp?

Under fear?

Under comfort?

Under silence?

Under compromise?

Or shining where God placed you —

in your family,

in your workplace,

in society,

in this difficult time for our country?

Because in these times, the world does not need louder voices.

The world needs brighter lamps.

And that lamp… is us.”