Gospel (Lk 8,16-18) - At that time, Jesus said to the crowd: «No one lights a lamp and covers it with a vase or puts it under a bed, but places it on a lampstand, so that whoever enters can see the light. There is nothing secret that is not manifested, nothing hidden that is not known and comes into full light. So be careful how you listen; because to him who has, it will be given, but to him who does not have, even what he thinks he has will be taken away."

The commentary on the Gospel by Monsignor Vincenzo Paglia

Jesus says: "No one lights a lamp and covers it with a vase or puts it under a bed, but places it on a lampstand, so that whoever enters may see the light." The Gospel was given to us so that we in turn show it to the men and women of our cities. Every community, and every believer, can therefore be compared to that chandelier of which Jesus speaks, to be placed high so that the light of the Gospel shines. For this reason - Jesus points out - the disciple is called first of all to welcome the Word of God into his heart: "Be careful, therefore, how you listen". In fact, those who do not listen cannot transmit anything about God, but only themselves. It will be like a dull and lifeless light. Whoever lets his heart be taught by the Word of God will find it filled with divine wisdom and will bear good fruit both for himself and for everyone. This is the meaning of Jesus' words: "To those who have, it will be given", that is, those who welcome the Gospel into their hearts will receive abundant wisdom. Gregory the Great said: "The Scriptures grow with those who read them", thus uniting the inner growth of the disciple with attentive study of the Scriptures.