ACC ~ Mark 4 v21 - 25

OVERVIEW:

Goodness rejoices in being recognized as what it is (TERTULLIAN). The purpose of the lamp of wisdom is not to be set under a bed but to be used and seen (CLEMENT OF ALEXANDRIA).

4:21 | A Lamp Under a Bed

WHEN WISDOM LIES UNUSED

CLEMENT OF ALEXANDRIA: A well, when pumped regularly, produces purer water. If neglected, and no one uses it, it changes into a source of pollution. Use keeps metal brighter, but disuse produces rust. For, in a word, exercise produces a healthy condition both in souls and bodies. So “No one lights a candle and puts it under a bowl, but upon a candlestick, that it may give light.” [1] For of what use is wisdom, if it fails to make those who hear it wise? STROMATEIS 1.1. [2]

[1] Mt 5:15; Mk 4:21; Lk 8:16.

[2] TLG 0555.004, 1.1.12.2.1-3.4; ANF 2:302**.

4:22 | There Is Nothing Hid, Except to Be Made Manifest

HIDING GOOD WORKS

TERTULLIAN: Why does the Lord call us the light of the world? Why has he compared us to a city on a hill? [1] Are we not called to shine in the midst of darkness, and stand up high for those most sunk down? If you hide your lamp beneath a bushel, [2] you will soon notice that you yourself will be in the dark. You will find others bumping into you. So what can you do to illumine the world? Let your faith produce good works. Be a reflection of God’s light. The good is not preoccupied with darkness. It rejoices in being seen. [3] It exults over the very pointings which are made at it. Christian modesty not only wishes to be modest, but also it wishes to be beheld as what it actually is. ON THE APPAREL OF WOMEN 2.13. [4]

[1] Mt 5:14.

[2] Mt 5:15; Lk 8:16; 11:33.

[3] Jn 3:21.

[4] Cetedoc 0011, 2.13.7; ANF 4:25*.