21 Jesus said to them, “Is the lamp brought to be put under a basket or under a bed? Isn’t it put on a stand? 22 For there is nothing hidden, except that it should be made known; neither was anything made secret, but that it should come to light. 23 If any man has ears to hear, let him hear.”

24 He said to them, “Take heed what you hear. With whatever measure you measure, it will be measured to you, and more will be given to you who hear. 25 For whoever has, to him will more be given, and he who doesn’t have, even that which he has will be taken away from him.”

Mark 4:21-25 - World English Bible

In this short passage from Mark's gospel, Jesus presented two parables: the lamp and the measure. The meaning of the lamp was that of example. One's actions revealed character and commitment and neither could be hidden for long. In the end, everyone would know the quality of faith one has.

The meaning of the measure required explanation. A measure was a ration of grain poured out into the fold of a tunic. Designated people would created this fold to receive an allotment for their families from grain silos. Jesus pointed to the person giving and receiving the grain; the more one gave, the more they would receive.

Jesus insisted on one quality to put both parables into action: the virtue of hearing (4:23 and 4:24c). Only those who really heard and understood him could become a true light to others, one who could pour out a generous measure.

Have you truly heard the Good News today?