The Lamp on the Lampstand

What is this image?

This is an image Jesus used in the Sermon on the Mount (cf. Mt 5:14-16) and when he taught in parables (cf. Mk 4:21-22). A lamp in those days was a small clay lamp, shaped like a dish, holding olive oil, with a burning wick. People set the lamp on a stand, a lampstand, so that its light would fill the small house. The bushel basket was used for measuring grain; on the card, it is drawn as a woven basket.

The story

Jesus said to his disciples: “You are the light of the world. A city set on a mountain cannot be hidden.” (Mt 5:14). Then he said: “Nor do they light a lamp and then put it under a bushel basket; it is set on a lampstand, where it gives light to all in the house.” (Mt 5:15).

In the Gospel of Mark, he also asks: is a lamp brought in to be put under a bushel basket or under a bed, and not to be put on a lampstand (cf. Mk 4:21)?

The card shows a family in a stone house: the woman sets the lamp on its stand, the whole house lights up, and the basket is left unused.

What does Jesus want to teach you?

The light is Jesus. At your baptism, you were given a candle lit from the Easter candle: from that day on, you carry the Lord’s light. You make that light shine not by showing off, but by doing good, “that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father.” (Mt 5:16). What matters is helping everyone to glorify God. In the Gospel of Mark, this image also reminds us that God’s Word is not meant to be hidden, but to be made known to everyone (cf. Mk 4:22).

A lesson for you

• Do not be shy about making the Sign of the Cross before meals, even when you eat at school.
• Do good quietly and cheerfully, without needing anyone’s praise.
• Take care of your lamp: avoid bad words and bad deeds that dim your soul.