Reading of the Word of God

Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia

I am the good shepherd,
my sheep listen to my voice,
and they become
one flock and one fold.
.

Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia

Mark 4,21-25

He also said to them, 'Is a lamp brought in to be put under a tub or under the bed? Surely to be put on the lamp-stand? For there is nothing hidden, but it must be disclosed, nothing kept secret except to be brought to light. Anyone who has ears for listening should listen!' He also said to them, 'Take notice of what you are hearing. The standard you use will be used for you -- and you will receive more besides; anyone who has, will be given more; anyone who has not, will be deprived even of what he has.'

Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia

I give you a new commandment,
that you love one another.

Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia

This Gospel passage collects 4 different sentences that the evangelist reunited in the context of listening to and efficaciousness of the Word of God. Referring maybe to the parable of the sower and to the missionary dimension that comes from listening Jesus says', "Pay attention to what you hear." Faith must have a communicative strength. A community that closes up in itself and is happy of staying in its own fold, is like those who put the lamp under the bushel. Jesus himself gives us the example with his life. The light that came in the world is not "under the bushel basket" anymore but rather on the light stand. The crowds realized it to the point that they come to him from every part to be enlightened on their path. The image of the light that exists not certainly to enlighten itself describes well Jesus' life. He, the true light that enlightens every man and woman, as John write sin the prologue of the fourth Gospel, has not come for himself, he did not become flesh in order to fulfil himself, and not even to affirm a personal project. Jesus has come on earth to enlighten men and women towards salvation; he has come so that all may walk along the paths of life to reach that fraternity among all people on earth that is the common destination both of people and creation. The other words of Jesus reveal the grave responsibility of mission for "to those who have, more will be given; and from those who have nothing, even what they have will be taken away." The Gospel of love does not stand restrictions; for its nature is total and universal, like Jesus' life showed.