Proclaimed on the Housetops

Scripture: Luke 12:1-3

Meanwhile, so many people were crowding together that they were trampling one another underfoot. He began to speak, first to his disciples, "Beware of the leaven--that is, the hypocrisy--of the Pharisees. There is nothing concealed that will not be revealed, nor secret that will not be known. Therefore whatever you have said in the darkness will be heard in the light, and what you have whispered behind closed doors will be proclaimed on the housetops.”

Reaction: This short passage had very many messages for me. First, that I must avoid hypocrisy by trying to portray myself as very holy and pious. It is true that I have made great strides in putting Christ first in my life, but I still have many flaws and sinful tendencies, so I need to remain humble and contrite. After all, most of my evil ways have been made known, or will be revealed in due time, as nothing concealed will remain so. But the positive aspect of this consequence of sin is that my weaknesses can be a motivating force for me to do better, and especially to help me become more aware of the attitudes and practices that are less than Christ-like. And the revelation of these secret tendencies will also keep me humble before others.

One aspect not mentioned in this passage was that of forgiveness. Even though I have succumbed to darkness and transgression, I know that my offenses have been wiped clean by Jesus Christ. This passage did not imply punishment or embarrassment to me, but rather hope, growth, and pardon. Another impression I had during my meditation was that just as my the failings will eventually be seen in the light of day, and perhaps even shouted from the rooftops, so might my gifts. I have great hope that all of the graces God has showered upon me will also shine forth for others to see, so that they too may come to know the joy that I have discovered in Jesus and the Word. I do not count myself as holier than anyone else for receiving these graces, but rather as a sincere seeker who has asked the Lord for His presence and His peace, and was able to recognize that these requests have been granted. If anything I have whispered in the darkness of my bedroom were to be proclaimed on the housetops, I would want it to be this: Thank you Lord, for granting me, a sinner, with Your pardon and Your peace, with the gifts of faith, hope and charity, and with the joy of Your salvation.