Lk 8:16-18
[Jesus said to his disciples,] 16“No one who lights a lamp conceals it with a vessel or sets it under a bed; rather, he places it on a lampstand so that those who enter may see the light. 17For there is nothing hidden that will not become visible, and nothing secret that will not be known and come to light. 18Take care, then, how you hear. To anyone who has, more will be given, and from the one who has not, even what he seems to have will be taken away.”
No One who Lights a Lamp: In ancient Palestine, a house is built in a way that it is illumined from a single source. Set on its own stand, a lamp (Greek luchnos) gives light to all in the house (Mt 5:15) and to all who enter it. Both Luke and Matthew stress that a lamp is meant to shed light, not to be concealed. In the parable of the Sower (Lk 8:4-15), the disciples who willingly receive the word of God become even more receptive to it. In the process, they enhance their chances of recognizing it in the future. Here, Luke points out that those who believe do not stop at receiving the word and keeping it to themselves. They go on to share the light of God’s word with others. They proclaim what they have heard—even to the Gentiles, who prove to be more receptive to Jesus’ teaching.