The passage from Luke proposed today emphasises the clarity of the lamp, which is not to be dimmed but exalted in order to spread.
Jesus also insists on the need for proper dispositions to hear the Word.
We also discover the reverberation of all this in the Franciscan Sources.
The Poor Man of Assisi, the light of the Order of Minors, had understood by grace that on how we listen to the Word of God depends the fruits.
That is why we read in his writings:
"And since he who is of God LISTENS TO THE WORDS OF GOD, therefore we, who in a very special way are deputed to the divine offices, must not only listen to and practise what God says, but also, in order to root in us the loftiness of our Creator and our submission to him, guard the sacred vessels and liturgical books, which contain the holy words" (Letter to all Clerics, FF 224).
He knew that listening affects the brilliance of witness, so much so that, in the Vita Seconda of Celano, it is noted:
"The Friars Minor have been sent by the Lord in this last time to offer examples of light to those who are shrouded in the darkness of sins" (FF 739).
Likewise Clare, prophesied from her mother's womb to be a light for the world, is looked upon as a special gift of God for humanity in the Letter of Introduction to the Legend:
"Therefore merciful God raised up the venerable virgin Clare, and in her he made a very bright lamp to shine for women" (FF 3151), this one not to be placed under the bushel, but on the lampstand to give light to us all.
She loved and sought to listen attentively to the Word. Indeed:
"She provides her daughters, through devoted preachers, with the nourishment of the Word of God, of which she reserves a large portion for herself. Such joy [...] pervades her in listening to holy preaching" (FF 3230).
"When, in fact, she returned in the joy of holy prayer, she brought back from the fire of the altar of the Lord burning words, such as inflamed the hearts of the sisters.
They noted with admiration that a certain sweetness radiated from her face and that her face seemed brighter than usual.
Certainly, in his gentleness, God had given the poor girl convocation and, after having flooded her soul in prayer with his TRUE LIGHT, he manifested it outside perceptibly" (FF 3199).
Bright Clare by virtue shines in the Church as a lamp on the candelabra, illuminating the darkness of this world.
«Now no one lights a lamp and covers it with a jar or puts it under a bed, but places it on a lampstand, so that those who enter may see the light» (Lk 8:16)
Monday of the 25th wk. in O.T. (Lk 8:16-18)
