The Principle of Measure!

Thursday, January 29, 2026

2 Sam 7:18-19, 24-29; Mk 4:21-25

Today’s Gospel highlights the principle of measure through the image of the lamp.

Jesus integrates divine economics in his teaching. To this end, he invites us to take care of what we give out because that is what we get in return. While the statement might look paradoxical, we discover that St. Francis of Assisi prayed, ‘It is in giving that we receive.’

When we reflect on the right measure, Jesus turns our focus to the example of the lamp. Just as a lamp is meant to shine brightly from the lampstand, a Christian cannot shy away from the responsibility to radiate Christ.

Jesus’ teaching concludes with a warning and a promise. ‘To the one who has, more will be given; from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away.’ As we might often think, these words do not symbolize punishment but integrate a call to responsibility. 

Christian faith is meant to be lived out. It is a life that is lived for others, just as Christ had shown us the way. Hence, Jesus warns that if we hold back from giving ourselves fully, then a Christian vocation becomes not only selfish but also meaningless. Instead, Jesus’ promise of ‘life in abundance’ inspires us to become a blessing to others. 

To be a Christian is to evangelize through visibilizing the transformation we have attained in Christ. 

Let us pray that we may extend a right measure to God and people, thus faithfully fulfilling the demands of divine economics.

Fr. Dhinakaran Savariyar