In
this passage, which contains two parable proverbs of the lamp and the
measure, Mark has probably placed together five sayings of Jesus, which
may have been spoken by him in different situations.
Four
of the sayings are groups in paris, which Mark may have found already
groups that way in the community tradition which was given to him. The
fifth saying, which Mark also used elsewhere by its central
position(4:23) becomes the focus and the key for the reader to
understand the whole passage.
The
kingdom of God, the divine action coming into our human world, is not
meant to remain hidden. Nobody light a lamp to hide it under a basket
for measuring grain or under a bed, but puts it on a stand where it can
shed its light around.
The
kingdom of God may at first seem hidden in the word and action and
humble life of Jesus, but it will soon spread far and wide in his
disciples as light shining throughout the world.
Like
the parable of the lamp, the parable of the measuring basked also
points to the way people welcome and respond to the kingdom of God
coming into their lives. The degree to which one gives to others and
is open to the need of others is a direct measure and indicator of the
degree to which God can share with that person his divine actions. A
person closed to another by that very fact shows a heart closed against
God. One’s giving to others measures one’s receiving from God.
The
more people welcome God’s action into their lives, the more they are
able to receive God’s further action. There is no injustice here. It
is simply a question of one’s capacity and willingness to receive. The
limit is on our side, not on God’s.
In our journal and/or our discussion group we may wish to reflect on this passage as follows:
- Name the key points that you have learnt about the person of Jesus in this passage of scripture?
- Reflect on the keywords in this passage for they contain the substance and purpose of all the things Jesus said and did-
- Consider my relationship with Jesus in the light of this Gospel passage.
- Reflect on how these two parables of the lamp and the measuring basked teach something about how God’s power coming into me.
- Consider how the power which the gospel of God brings into the world depends to a large degree on how I welcome it?
- How do I relate to these two parables. Make a list of areas in my life that need a change of heart and develop an action plan on how this change of heart might occur. (eg name an area and name one/two changes that you will implement with God's help.
- What impact does Jesus’ teaching have on you (4:13-20).
- How has this passage spoken to you- what does it say to you personally?
It is important to remember that St Mark wishes us to know the person of Jesus.
What does this passage of scripture tell you about the person of Jesus?
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