skip to main |
skip to sidebar
Commemoration of Saint Silvester I, Pope
Biographical Information about St. Silverter
Readings for the Seventh Day in the Octave of Christmas[1][2]Readings from the Jerusalem Bible
Readings and Commentary:[3]
Reading 1: 1 John 2:18-21
Children, it is the last hour;
and just as you heard that the antichrist was coming,
so now many antichrists have appeared.
Thus we know this is the last hour.
They went out from us, but they were not really of our number;
if they had been, they would have remained with us.
Their desertion shows that none of them was of our number.
But you have the anointing that comes from the Holy One,
and you all have knowledge.
I write to you not because you do not know the truth
but because you do, and because every lie is alien to the truth.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commentary on 1 Jn 2:18-21
After telling his community that they were armed by their knowledge of Christ against evil, the Apostle now tells them that he hour is near. Christ has died and is risen and the second coming must be approaching. He warns them to be alert and watch out for the antichrist (This designation occurs only in the writings of St. John. In Matthew and Mark they are called false messiahs, in St. Paul’s letters the same person(s) is designated “lawless one”.) This group of “Antichrists” mentioned by the Biblical Authors seems to indicate a group of persons who were teaching falsely about Jesus.
St. John identifies these antichrists as individuals who schismatically leave the faith community, holding false premises. He then tells those who are faithful to be steadfast because they are anointed in the truth.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Responsorial Psalm:[4] Psalm 96:1-2, 11-12, 13
R. (11a) Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice!
Sing to the LORD a new song;
sing to the LORD, all you lands.
Sing to the LORD; bless his name;
announce his salvation, day after day.
R. Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice!
Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice;
let the sea and what fills it resound;
let the plains be joyful and all that is in them!
Then shall all the trees of the forest exult before the LORD.
R. Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice!
The LORD comes,
he comes to rule the earth.
He shall rule the world with justice
and the peoples with his constancy.
R. Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice!
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commentary on Ps 96:1-2, 11-12, 13
This song of praise exhorts the people to praise the Lord for his wondrous works of creation. The reason for this exhortation is that God will come to rule the earth with his justice. In this passage we see the forerunner of the understanding of the New Jerusalem – the Heavenly Kingdom.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gospel: John 1:1-18
In the beginning was the Word,
and the Word was with God,
and the Word was God.
He was in the beginning with God.
All things came to be through him,
and without him nothing came to be.
What came to be through him was life,
and this life was the light of the human race;
the light shines in the darkness,
and the darkness has not overcome it.
A man named John was sent from God.
He came for testimony, to testify to the light,
so that all might believe through him.
He was not the light,
but came to testify to the light.
The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world.
He was in the world,
and the world came to be through him,
but the world did not know him.
He came to what was his own,
but his own people did not accept him.
But to those who did accept him
he gave power to become children of God,
to those who believe in his name,
who were born not by natural generation
nor by human choice nor by a man’s decision
but of God.
And the Word became flesh
and made his dwelling among us,
and we saw his glory,
the glory as of the Father’s only-begotten Son,
full of grace and truth.
John testified to him and cried out, saying,
“This was he of whom I said,
‘The one who is coming after me ranks ahead of me
because he existed before me.’”
From his fullness we have all received,
grace in place of grace,
because while the law was given through Moses,
grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.
No one has ever seen God.
The only-begotten Son, God, who is at the Father’s side,
has revealed him.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commentary on Jn 1:1-18
The introduction of St. John’s Gospel is also used in the Feast of the Nativity of the Lord (Cycle A). It first provides the description of the relationship of God and Jesus who is the Logos – or word of God. The Word is light to the world and all things are subordinate to the Word because they were created by and through the Word.
St. John then introduces John the Baptist as one who came to testify to the light (now equivocated above with the Word). His message, like that of Jesus was not accepted by the very people created by the Lord. He goes on to say that those who accept Christ are adopted by God.
St. John then makes his own profession as he speaks of the incarnation of the eternal as “the word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.” His divinity is once more established as he says “…we saw his glory, the glory as of the Father’s only Son”. This was the message St. John tells us he was sent to bring. He then reestablishes himself as messenger and servant of the one who sent him, Jesus. He says that while Moses brought the Law, Christ came and revealed God himself.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reflection:
We are once more awed by the opening phrases of St. John’s Gospel as he tells us; “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” Even as we reflect on the profound implications of these words we are struck by the contrast in tone of the Evangelist’s First Letter that was our first reading.
There is something important in that fist reading, something that is central to our belief in the Word. If we truly believe in the truth, that “In the Beginning” (before time, before creation) Christ existed in the Father and with the Father, “…the Word was with God, and the Word was God”; if we believe this there is a transformation within us. That transformation is accomplished in us by God at our Baptism and sealed in us at our Confirmation. If some later event occurs that drives us away from God; if some antichrist or false teacher places a wedge between us and God, that change of character is still there.
In the Detroit, Michigan area right now a 15 year old boy is in jail for shooting and killing a police officer. They are likely going to try him as an adult. As the image of this young man was shown on the TV screen sitting in the court room, we could not help but wonder where had he been twisted? At what point had those entrusted with the light of faith failed to protect him from those who had taught him to disrespect civil authority, that violence was an acceptable path?
While St. John is speaking to his congregation about a different sort of situation (he speaks of those converted but not baptized who were, in a sense, shopping for something to believe in). When they feel away from the Christian Community and began persecuting the Christians, some of the faithful wondered if God’s saving hand had left them. In our day and age we see the same kind of thing from time to time as aspirants, desperate to find something to believe in “explore” the faith. But we know that those that leave, who reject the faith, often find it either too hard, or requiring them to change their lifestyles, attitudes, or secular views more than they are willing.
Belief in the Logos – the Word made flesh and all he stands for is hard. Belief, true belief requires us to act in certain ways and often respond with counterintuitive actions; not in our best interests but out of love. In this upcoming year, let us pledge to become more in tune with the Word, who was and is. Let us work diligently to help the world become a better place where young people (and old) will not be left to the false teachers and antichrists of our day.
Pax [1] ALTRE[2] The picture used today is “And the Word became Flesh” by Frank Wesley, contemporary artist.
[3] of Readings is taken from the New American Bible, Copyright © Libreria Editrice Vaticana
[4] Excerpts from the English translation of The Roman Missal © 1973, International Committee on English in the Liturgy, Inc. All rights reserved
Readings for the Sixth Day in the Octave of Christmas[1][2]Readings from the Jerusalem Bible
Readings and Commentary:[3]
Reading 1: 1 John 2:12-17
I am writing to you, children,
because your sins have been forgiven for his name’s sake.
I am writing to you, fathers,
because you know him who is from the beginning.
I am writing to you, young men,
because you have conquered the Evil One.
I write to you, children,
because you know the Father.
I write to you, fathers,
because you know him who is from the beginning.
I write to you, young men,
because you are strong and the word of God remains in you,
and you have conquered the Evil One.
Do not love the world or the things of the world.
If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
For all that is in the world,
sensual lust, enticement for the eyes, and a pretentious life,
is not from the Father but is from the world.
Yet the world and its enticement are passing away.
But whoever does the will of God remains forever.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commentary on 1 Jn 2:12-17
St. John addresses his audience singularly on Sin and forgiveness using an interesting metaphor for the trinity; Children, Fathers, Young Men. The believing community he addresses is armed through faith against the evil one. He focuses in his last paragraph on avoiding the secular focus on “things” of the world, saying that they are of the world and therefore unworthy, leading away from God.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Responsorial Psalm:[4] Psalm 96:7-8a, 8b-9, 10
R. (11a) Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice!
Give to the LORD, you families of nations,
give to the LORD glory and praise;
give to the LORD the glory due his name!
R. Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice!
Bring gifts, and enter his courts;
worship the LORD in holy attire.
Tremble before him, all the earth.
R. Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice!
Say among the nations: The LORD is king.
He has made the world firm, not to be moved;
he governs the peoples with equity.
R. Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice!
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commentary on Ps 96:7-8a, 8b-9, 10
While a song of praise, the psalmist reminds us that even in praise we need to offer what we have in gratitude. The structure is familiar – we are given first the audience, then the response, and final praise as a response from God.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gospel: Luke 2:36-40
There was also a prophetess, Anna,
the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher.
She was advanced in years,
having lived seven years with her husband after her marriage,
and then as a widow until she was eighty-four.
She never left the temple,
but worshiped night and day with fasting and prayer.
And coming forward at that very time,
she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child
to all who were awaiting the redemption of Jerusalem.
When they had fulfilled all the prescriptions
of the law of the Lord,
they returned to Galilee,
to their own town of Nazareth.
The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom;
and the favor of God was upon him.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commentary on Lk 2:36-40
Continuing our story surrounding the presentation of Jesus, today we hear from the prophetess Anna. This role for widows to prophesy in the temple was not uncommon. The symbolism depicting Anna has clear linkage back to Old Testament events, beginning with seven, rabbinical literature recognizes seven as the number of prophetesses -Sarah, Miriam Exodus 15:20, Deborah Judges 4:4, Hannah mother of Samuel 1 Samuel 2:1, Abigail wife of David 1 Samuel 25:32, Huldah 2 Kings 22:14, and Esther. These women gave witness to God’s will, at least in their holiness and spoke in his name. Anna, in this prophetic role (Phanuel translates as “face of God” and Asher as “good luck”), echoes the words of Simeon saying that this young baby is the redemption of Jerusalem – the city represents all of the elect.
The final verses provide a glimpse of Jesus’ necessary hidden life in Nazareth. He grows in faith and stature in preparation for the mission assigned to him.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reflection:
Anna recognizes God in Jesus as did Simeon. What did they see? Both virtually lived in the Temple. So many families must have come to carry out the prescriptions of the Law of Moses, yet the arrival of an insignificant, poor seeming family – Mary, Joseph, and the infant Jesus, triggered a response completely unique in the lives of both Anna and Simeon.
According to the years mentioned, Anna would have been 104 years old. This may have symbolically placed her in the company of Judith who lived to be 105 (Judith 16:23). Her service to the community was to identify the coming Messiah. But what did she see that brought her to this momentous conclusion? How did she know God was there? We are told that Simeon was filled with the Holy Spirit. Anna must have been under similar impulse. Their testimony gives ancient proof to the Lord’s identity and we pause to wonder. If we had been in the temple, would we have been able to perceive the holiness of Jesus and has family? Have we attuned ourselves to the Holy Spirit to a point were we recognize God’s finger prints as they are made?
This is part of the challenge of our faith journey. To build up our perceptive ability to a point were we recognize God’s handiwork as we encounter it. Lapsing to analogy, it is like the scientist who has prepared, through long years of education and study, to witness a subtle result in an experiment that allows them to come to correct conclusions and great discovery. Without that training and preparation, that true meaning remains hidden.
And for us, as we prepare for the new year, how do we prepare to see and understand the Lord’s incursions into our lives? The only way we will see and understand what God does is to learn who he is and how he works. This revelation comes from a number of avenues. One of which we practice together in this space. We read God’s Word – the Lord’s voice preserved for us through inspired authors, captured for us in Holy Scripture. In reflection upon these words God speaks to our hearts, in reflecting upon how they can be applied, we find God’s will for us.
There are, of course other important ways to come to know God and his Son. We learn to recognize them in the community of faith as we are supported and strengthened through our association with faith filled brothers and sisters. We find God and His Son in prayer, in song, and most especially in the Sacraments as he pours out his graces upon us in the loving act of sacrifice.
As we set our minds to reflect upon the year that is passing and the new year that is coming, let us dedicate a larger part of our energy and effort toward leaning to find Christ and His Father in our lives and to accede to his will for us. May we learn to recognize the Lord as Anna and Simeon did in the Temple.
Pax [1] ALTRE[2] The picture used today is “The Presentation in the Temple” (detail) by Pieter Jozef Varhaghen, 1767
[3] Text of Readings is taken from the New American Bible, Copyright © Libreria Editrice Vaticana
[4] Excerpts from the English translation of The Roman Missal © 1973, International Committee on English in the Liturgy, Inc. All rights reserved
Commemoration of Saint Thomas Becket, Bishop, Martyr
Biographical Information about St. Thomas Becket
Readings for the Fifth Day in the Octave of Christmas[1][2]Readings from the Jerusalem Bible
Readings and Commentary:[3]
Reading 1: 1 John 2:3-11
The way we may be sure that we know Jesus
is to keep his commandments.
Whoever says, “I know him,” but does not keep his commandments
is a liar, and the truth is not in him.
But whoever keeps his word,
the love of God is truly perfected in him.
This is the way we may know that we are in union with him:
whoever claims to abide in him ought to walk just as he walked.
Beloved, I am writing no new commandment to you
but an old commandment that you had from the beginning.
The old commandment is the word that you have heard.
And yet I do write a new commandment to you,
which holds true in him and among you,
for the darkness is passing away,
and the true light is already shining.
Whoever says he is in the light,
yet hates his brother, is still in the darkness.
Whoever loves his brother remains in the light,
and there is nothing in him to cause a fall.
Whoever hates his brother is in darkness;
he walks in darkness
and does not know where he is going
because the darkness has blinded his eyes.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commentary on 1 Jn 2:3-11
We are given in this passage two consistent teachings of St. John. First is the injunction to keep “Jesus’” commandments. He uses the same formula we have heard before in this letter. If you say you belong to Christ but do not follow his commandments, you are a liar.
The second teaching is his favorite, perhaps because it is part of the great commandment and fundamental to everything taught by the Lord; “Love one another.” Here St. John again uses the darkness and light theme to demonstrate the one who walks with Christ is in the light and the one who does not walks in darkness and is lost; “…he walks in darkness and does not know where he is going because the darkness has blinded his eyes.”
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Responsorial Psalm:[4] Psalm 96:1-2a, 2b-3, 5b-6
R. (11a) Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice!
Sing to the LORD a new song;
sing to the LORD, all you lands.
Sing to the LORD; bless his name.
R. Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice!
Announce his salvation, day after day.
Tell his glory among the nations;
among all peoples, his wondrous deeds.
R. Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice!
The LORD made the heavens.
Splendor and majesty go before him;
praise and grandeur are in his sanctuary.
R. Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice!
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commentary on Ps 96:1-2a, 2b-3, 5b-6
For us, in the Octave of Christmas, this new song of praise is for the gift of the Messiah; the Christ child whose birth still rings with joy.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gospel: Luke 2:22-35
When the days were completed for their purification
according to the law of Moses,
the parents of Jesus took him up to Jerusalem
to present him to the Lord,
just as it is written in the law of the Lord,
Every male that opens the womb shall be consecrated to the Lord,
and to offer the sacrifice of
a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons,
in accordance with the dictate in the law of the Lord.
Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon.
This man was righteous and devout,
awaiting the consolation of Israel,
and the Holy Spirit was upon him.
It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit
that he should not see death
before he had seen the Christ of the Lord.
He came in the Spirit into the temple;
and when the parents brought in the child Jesus
to perform the custom of the law in regard to him,
he took him into his arms and blessed God, saying:
“Lord, now let your servant go in peace;
your word has been fulfilled:
my own eyes have seen the salvation
which you prepared in the sight of every people,
a light to reveal you to the nations
and the glory of your people Israel.”
The child’s father and mother were amazed at what was said about him;
and Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother,
“Behold, this child is destined
for the fall and rise of many in Israel,
and to be a sign that will be contradicted
(and you yourself a sword will pierce)
so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.”
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commentary on Lk 2:22-35
St. Luke’s account of Jesus being presented at the Temple provides a unique insight into the Holy Family. They are faithful observes of the Law of Moses.
At the time Jesus is presented at the temple as required by strict Jewish Law, we find Simeon, probably an old man in the last years of his life (“…looking forward to the restoration of God's rule in Israel”). Simeon does two important things here – he affirms the nativity story with his profession of faith that Jesus is the Christ, the Messiah, the one who came for all so that all might be renewed in Christ and in God the Father. (“…my own eyes have seen the salvation which you prepared in the sight of every people, a light to reveal you to the nations and the glory of your people Israel.”)
The second of Simeon’s actions is to predict to Mary the difficulty her Son will encounter in his ministry (“…to be a sign that will be contradicted”) and the pain it will cause Mary herself “(and you yourself a sword will pierce)”
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reflection:
Simeon saw, in the child of Mary and Joseph, the love of God that had come to earth for the salvation of the whole human race. The way I envision this event is when Simeon saw the child he must have been drawn to him. When he picked him up (can you see Mary, perhaps 14 or 15 years old gently relinquishing her new baby to gnarled and bearded Simeon?) it must have been like a flash image of the whole human life of Jesus, even culminating in his passion.
Simeon then calls out to God – you told me I would live to see the salvation of this country and people (Israel and the Hebrews) and I have seen them in this child. Go ahead, take me. (In the life of every person of faith there comes that one perfect time when we feel completely in union with the Father and call our in our prayer; “OK, Father, take me now; I’m ready.”).
For us this moment is one more scriptural proof that Jesus is the Christ, the Anointed One who comes for our salvation. For Mary and Joseph at this time, it is a vindication of their faith in the word of God given through his messenger, Gabriel.
For Mary especially, this must have been a bitter sweet moment. Simeon clearly was right about the destiny of her Son and therefore had seen correctly the events that would unfold in His life. It was not a pretty picture. He would encounter resistance and danger. Mary herself would be pierced, although the nature of the sword (the sword of sorrow) would not yet be known to her.
For us this story becomes one that transitions our thoughts from the Infant in the Manger to the little Prince of Peace as he faces his short and tumultuous life. Our faith in his work grows, our dedication to following him is revitalized.
Pax
[1] ALTRE[2] The picture used today is “Simeon and Anna Recognize the Lord in Jesus” by Harmenszoon van Rijn Rembrant, 1627
[3] Text of Readings is taken from the New American Bible, Copyright © Libreria Editrice Vaticana
[4] Excerpts from the English translation of The Roman Missal © 1973, International Committee on English in the Liturgy, Inc. All rights reserved
Mary and Joseph
Readings for the Feast of the Holy Family[1][2]Readings from the Jerusalem Bible
Readings and Commentary:[3]
Note: In Dioceses of the United States all of the options below are available. The readings specific to the B Cycle are Genesis 15:1-6; 21:1-3, Psalm 105:1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 8-9, Hebrews 11:8, 11-12, 17-19, and Luke 2:22-40 (or the shorter form - Luke 2:22, 39-40).
Reading 1: Sirach 3:2-6, 12-14
For the LORD sets a father in honor over his children;
a mother’s authority he confirms over her sons.
He who honors his father atones for sins,
he stores up riches who reveres his mother.
He who honors his father is gladdened by children,
and, when he prays, is heard.
He who reveres his father will live a long life;
he obeys he obeys the LORD who brings
comfort to his mother.
My son, take care of your father when he is old;
grieve him not as long as he lives.
Even if his mind fail, be considerate of him;
revile him not in the fullness of your strength.
For kindness to a father will not be forgotten,
it will serve as a sin offering
--it will take lasting root.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commentary on Sir 3:2-6, 12-14
This reading from Sirach is essentially an exposition of the Commandment to Honor your father and mother. I goes into greater length about the positive benefits that come to the person who does so and does link to early Hebrew belief that the honor received by the father of a house hold was transferred to the children (just as in the omitted verses 8-11, the sins are also transmitted to the children). It should also be noted that while the meaning is not drastically changed, the reading presented above differs significantly from the text used in the Lectionary – see the ALTRE footnote below.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Or: Genesis 15:1-6; 21:1-3
Some time after these events,
the LORD came to Abram in a vision, saying:
“Fear not, Abram!
I am your shield;
I will make your reward very great.”
But Abram said,
“O Lord GOD, what good will your gifts be,
if I keep on being childless
and have as my heir the steward of my house, Eliezer?”
Abram continued,
“See, you have given me no offspring,
and so one of my servants will be my heir.”
Then the word of the LORD came to him:
“No, that one shall not be your heir;
your own issue shall be your heir.”
He (the Lord) took Abram outside and said,
“Look up at the sky and count the stars, if you can.
Just so,” he added, “shall your descendants be.”
Abram put his faith in the LORD,
who credited it to him as an act of righteousness.
The LORD took note of Sarah as he had said he would;
he did for her as he had promised.
Sarah became pregnant and bore Abraham a son in his old age,
at the set time that God had stated.
Abraham gave the name Isaac to this son of his
whom Sarah bore him.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commentary on Gn 15:1-6; 21:1-3
Abram was earlier promised the land he now occupies as a possession. In this section we find Abram complaining that he has no heir and therefore all he has will pass to his servant. In response God tells him that he will be given offspring; “Look up at the sky and count the stars, if you can. Just so,” he added, “shall your descendants be.”
God’s physical response is found in the first three verses of Chapter 21 as Sarah, the wife of Abraham is given Isaac, the heir of their union (in the intervening verses, Hanna, Sarah’s servant, bears him Ishmael).
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Responsorial Psalm:[4] Psalm 128:1-2, 3, 4-5
R. (cf. 1) Blessed are those who fear the Lord and walk in his ways.
Blessed is everyone who fears the LORD,
who walks in his ways!
For you shall eat the fruit of your handiwork;
blessed shall you be, and favored.
R. Blessed are those who fear the Lord and walk in his ways.
Your wife shall be like a fruitful vine
in the recesses of your home;
your children like olive plants
around your table.
R. Blessed are those who fear the Lord and walk in his ways.
Behold, thus is the man blessed
who fears the LORD.
The LORD bless you from Zion:
may you see the prosperity of Jerusalem
all the days of your life.
R. Blessed are those who fear the Lord and walk in his ways.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commentary on Ps 128:1-2, 3, 4-5
Psalm 128 is a song of thanksgiving. It begins here with the typical blessings for following and having faith in the Lord. This selection features the blessing a family brings to the faithful using the symbolism of vines and olives so favored by even the Lord.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Or: Psalm 105:1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 8-9
R. (7a , 8a) The Lord remembers his covenant for ever.
Give thanks to the LORD, invoke his name;
make known among the nations his deeds.
Sing to him, sing his praise,
proclaim all his wondrous deeds.
R. The Lord remembers his covenant for ever.
Glory in his holy name;
rejoice, O hearts that seek the LORD!
Look to the LORD in his strength;
constantly seek his face.
R. The Lord remembers his covenant for ever.
You descendants of Abraham, his servants,
sons of Jacob, his chosen ones!
He, the LORD, is our God;
throughout the earth his judgments prevail.
R. The Lord remembers his covenant for ever.
He remembers forever his covenant
which he made binding for a thousand generations
which he entered into with Abraham
and by his oath to Isaac.
R. The Lord remembers his covenant for ever.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commentary on Ps 105:1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 8-9
The song of praise we are given today exhorts us to praise the Lord constantly and to remember his covenant with Abraham and Isaac. We of course praise him for the new covenant in Jesus, for which the Son of God became the sealing sacrifice.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reading II: Colossians 3:12-21
Put on, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved,
heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience,
bearing with one another and forgiving one another,
if one has a grievance against another;
as the Lord has forgiven you, so must you also do.
And over all these put on love,
that is, the bond of perfection.
And let the peace of Christ control your hearts,
the peace into which you were also called in one body.
And be thankful.
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly,
as in all wisdom you teach and admonish one another,
singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs
with gratitude in your hearts to God.
And whatever you do, in word or in deed,
do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus,
giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Wives, be subordinate to your husbands,
as is proper in the Lord.
Husbands, love your wives,
and avoid any bitterness toward them.
Children, obey your parents in everything,
for this is pleasing to the Lord.
Fathers, do not provoke your children,
so they may not become discouraged.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commentary on Col 3:12-21
Here we have the rather controversial family hierarchy of the era described by St. Paul. This entire section of the letter is a discourse on harmony within the family of Christ. It is important to note the instruction given in the first part of this reading. Paul describes the Christian rules for relationships; “Put on, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, bearing with one another and forgiving one another”.
When the subordinated relationships are described below, equality in membership in the family is established.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Or: Colossians 3:12-17
Put on, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved,
heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience,
bearing with one another and forgiving one another,
if one has a grievance against another;
as the Lord has forgiven you, so must you also do.
And over all these put on love,
that is, the bond of perfection.
And let the peace of Christ control your hearts,
the peace into which you were also called in one body.
And be thankful.
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly,
as in all wisdom you teach and admonish one another,
singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs
with gratitude in your hearts to God.
And whatever you do, in word or in deed,
do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus,
giving thanks to God the Father through him.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commentary on Col 3:12-17
This option omits the hierarchical relationship descriptions. Its focus remains consistent, however, driving the Pauline ideals of harmony and unity within the Christian Family.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Or: Hebrews 11:8, 11-12, 17-19
By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place
that he was to receive as an inheritance;
he went out, not knowing where he was to go.
By faith he received power to generate,
even though he was past the normal age
--and Sarah herself was sterile--
for he thought that the one who had made the promise was trustworthy.
So it was that there came forth from one man,
himself as good as dead,
descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky
and as countless as the sands on the seashore.
By faith Abraham, when put to the test, offered up Isaac,
and he who had received the promises was ready to offer
his only son,
of whom it was said,
“Through Isaac descendants shall bear your name.”
He reasoned that God was able to raise even from the dead,
and he received Isaac back as a symbol.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commentary on Heb 11:8, 11-12, 17-19
This reading from the Hebrews provides an example of faith from God’s relationship with mankind, Abraham and his miraculous role as father of nations. All his descendents never saw the promise of the resurrection – but died in faith and so have been invited to share. The passage concludes with the example of Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son Isaac and his consequent understanding that God was able to raise those asleep in death.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gospel: Luke 2:22-40
When the days were completed for their purification
according to the law of Moses,
They took him up to Jerusalem
to present him to the Lord,
just as it is written in the law of the Lord,
“Every male that opens the womb shall be consecrated to the Lord,
and to offer the sacrifice of
a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons,
in accordance with the dictate in the law of the Lord.”
and to offer the sacrifice of
"a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons,"
in accordance with the dictate in the law of the Lord.[5]
Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon.
This man was righteous and devout,
awaiting the consolation of Israel,
and the holy Spirit was upon him.
It had been revealed to him by the holy Spirit
that he should not see death
before he had seen the Messiah of the Lord.
He came in the Spirit into the temple;
and when the parents brought in the child Jesus
to perform the custom of the law in regard to him,
He took him into his arms and blessed God, saying:
“Now, Master, you may let your servant go
in peace, according to your word,
for my eyes have seen your salvation,
which you prepared in sight of all the peoples,
a light for revelation to the Gentiles,
and glory for your people Israel.”
The child’s father and mother were amazed at what was said about him;
and Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother,
“Behold, this child is destined
for the fall and rise of many in Israel,
and to be a sign that will be contradicted
(and you yourself a sword will pierce)
so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.”
There was also a prophetess, Anna,
the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher.
She was advanced in years,
having lived seven years with her husband after her marriage,
and then as a widow until she was eighty-four.
She never left the temple,
but worshiped night and day with fasting and prayer.
And coming forward at that very time,
she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child
to all who were awaiting the redemption of Jerusalem.
When they had fulfilled all the prescriptions
of the law of the Lord,
they returned to Galilee,
to their own town of Nazareth.
The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom;
and the favor of God was upon him.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commentary on Lk 2:22-40
St. Luke begins the account of the Lord’s presentation reminding us that Mary, the Virgin Mother of God, followed Mosaic Law by observing the Rite of Purification which by tradition was required of any member of the community who had come in contact with the “Mystery”, life and death, the birth of a child or the burial of the dead.
At the Temple in Jerusalem they encounter two prophetic figures Simeon and Anna. Both of these figures proclaim that the Messiah is come in the person of the Lord. We also hear from Simeon an image of the Lord’s passion and how a sword of sorrow will pierce the Holy Mother’s heart.
Simeon’s prediction, a man who “was righteous and devout, awaiting the consolation of Israel”. was told by the Holy Spirit that he would not pass away until he had seen the Messiah. He has declared that this promise has been fulfilled and then turns to Mary and makes the prediction about the nature of Christ’s ministry and the nature of the sorrow she will endure.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Or: Luke 2:22, 39-40
When the days were completed for their purification
according to the law of Moses,
they took him up to Jerusalem
to present him to the Lord.
When they had fulfilled all the prescriptions
of the law of the Lord,
they returned to Galilee,
to their own town of Nazareth.
The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom;
and the favor of God was upon him.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commentary on Lk 2:22, 39-40
St. Luke’s account of Jesus being presented at the Temple provides a unique insight into the Holy Family. They are faithful observes of the Law of Moses. “Their purification: syntactically, their must refer to Mary and Joseph, even though the Mosaic law never mentions the purification of the husband. Recognizing the problem, some Western scribes have altered the text to read "his purification," understanding the presentation of Jesus in the temple as a form of purification; the Vulgate version has a Latin form that could be either "his" or "her." According to the Mosaic law (Lev 12:2-8), the woman who gives birth to a boy is unable for forty days to touch anything sacred or to enter the temple area by reason of her legal impurity.”[6] In addition to this description we see that Jesus was returned to Nazareth to grow in stature
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reflection:
With the broad spectrum of scripture provided today we look for a common thread passing through it to guide our own understanding of what this feast should represent for us. We see the continuity of God’s plan that began in Genesis with Abraham and his promised family passing through the time of King David and the songs composed honoring Abraham’s faithfulness to his covenant with God. With that covenant, St. Paul says to the Hebrews, God’s family spread to be finally adopted in Christ.
In the Gospel of St. Luke the importance of stressing faith values in the family is expressed as we find Mary and Joseph bringing the infant Christ to the Temple as prescribed by Mosaic Law. Even in this act the savior is identified – the incarnate word made flesh is recognized by those under the influence of the Holy Spirit – in a sense; God recognizes his own essence in the child who is the Messiah.
What is significant for us to recognize is that even in the case of the unique Christ Child, the family creating an environment of holiness was important to relate. Jesus, an infant who was at once God came from Mary’s pristine womb into a family that guarded and nurtured the infant. They seek God’s help and protection and are guided by faith. The Holy Family is truly an example all families should follow.
Today, within the joy of this season when families are brought together by faith in God and faith in each other, we look at the crèche and see there Joseph, Mary and Jesus. We see the love of God and love of family and are moved once more to embrace the example of familial love they exemplify, pledging ourselves to do as they have done, establishing God’s presence in their families as a bond. It is so hard to do. With great love comes great power over those who love us and are loved by us. It is so easy to take them for granted or see unintended hurt in what they say or do.
Let us pray this day (and each day) that the Holy Family may guide our families as we strive to keep Christ in our midst.
Pax [1] ALTRE[2] The picture used today is “The Holy Family with Angels” by Harmenszoon van Rijn Rembrant
[3] Text of Readings is taken from the New American Bible, Copyright © Libreria Editrice Vaticana
[4] Excerpts from the English translation of The Roman Missal © 1973, International Committee on English in the Liturgy, Inc. All rights reserved
[5] v. 24 is omitted from the published text at USCCB but is contained in the Lectionary for Mass.
[6] See NAB Footnote on Lk 2:22
Apostle and Evangelist
Biographical Information about St. John the Evangelist[1]
Readings for the Feast of St. John the Evangelist[2]Readings from the Jerusalem Bible
Readings and Commentary:[3]
Reading 1: 1 John 1:1-4
What was from the beginning,
what we have heard,
what we have seen with our eyes,
what we looked upon
and touched with our hands
concerns the Word of life--
for the life was made visible;
we have seen it and testify to it
and proclaim to you the eternal life
that was with the Father and was made visible to us
what we have seen and heard
we proclaim now to you,
so that you too may have fellowship with us;
for our fellowship is with the Father
and with his Son, Jesus Christ.
We are writing this so that our joy may be complete.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commentary on 1 Jn 1:1-4
The introduction of the First Letter of John describes the author as not only a believer in Jesus but also an eyewitness and contemporary of the Lord. He describes the unifying force of faith in the Father and his joy in passing on the great news of the Savior.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Responsorial Psalm:[4] Psalm 97:1-2, 5-6, 11-12
R. (12) Rejoice in the Lord, you just!
The LORD is king; let the earth rejoice;
let the many isles be glad.
Clouds and darkness are around him,
justice and judgment are the foundation of his throne.
R. Rejoice in the Lord, you just!
The mountains melt like wax before the LORD,
before the LORD of all the earth.
The heavens proclaim his justice,
and all peoples see his glory.
R. Rejoice in the Lord, you just!
Light dawns for the just;
and gladness, for the upright of heart.
Be glad in the LORD, you just,
and give thanks to his holy name.
R. Rejoice in the Lord, you just!
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commentary on Ps 97:1-2, 5-6, 11-12
The psalm of praise echoes the gladness that St. John writes about in the first reading. Who would not want an ally like the omnipotent God of justice?
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gospel: John 20:1a and 2-8
On the first day of the week,
Mary Magdalene ran and went to Simon Peter
and to the other disciple whom Jesus loved, and told them,
“They have taken the Lord from the tomb,
and we do not know where they put him.”
So Peter and the other disciple went out and came to the tomb.
They both ran, but the other disciple ran faster than Peter
and arrived at the tomb first;
he bent down and saw the burial cloths there, but did not go in.
When Simon Peter arrived after him,
he went into the tomb and saw the burial cloths there,
and the cloth that had covered his head,
not with the burial cloths but rolled up in a separate place.
Then the other disciple also went in,
the one who had arrived at the tomb first,
and he saw and believed.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commentary on Jn 20:1a and 2-8
The Gospel story of the discovery of the empty tomb describes St. John (the disciple whom Jesus loved). It is interesting that St. John arrives first but recognizes St. Peter’s primacy, waiting for him to enter the tomb first. Note also that when St. John entered the tomb, he immediately understood what happened and “believed.”
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reflection:
“We are writing this so that our joy may be complete.”
It is appropriate that we as Church remember on this day St. John the Apostle. He was the youngest of the twelve. He was the author of not only the Gospel of Faith, but also two epistles and the book of Revelations. His faith community tackled the earliest and, in many ways, the hardest questions about the life and mission of Christ and set down that understanding for our posterity.
What do we suppose was John’s joy that is made complete in the writing of his experience and understanding of the Lord? In our Christmas season, we are still feeling the afterglow of the warmth and love we experiences in the Lord’s Nativity. We understand anew the gift God has given us in his Son, and we rejoice in the life that flows from that gift.
We hear what John says and suddenly it all makes sense. He was there. He was with the Lord as he walked and talked; as he preached and healed. He experienced the profound amazement of the man and God; the profound sadness of the Passion. He was there at the empty tomb where the source of his happiness had been laid. He saw and believed in that empty tomb and his joy soared.
What we receive from John in the short sentence above is like what we might feel when we get the very best news we can hope for; news that changes our lives – like the birth of our child, like the vows at a wedding or promotion at work. When we get the very best news isn’t sharing it the first thing we want to do? Does not having others rejoice with us heighten our own joy? Does it not make our joy complete?
This is perhaps one of John’s most important contributions – his joy in the Savior. Let us share that joy, especially this Christmas season. The Savior has come!
Pax
[1] The picture used today is “St John the Evangelist” by Juan de Juanes, 1445-50
[2] ALTRE[3] Text of Readings is taken from the New American Bible, Copyright © Libreria Editrice Vaticana
[4] Excerpts from the English translation of The Roman Missal © 1973, International Committee on English in the Liturgy, Inc. All rights reserved
First Martyr
Biographical Information about St. Stephen[1]
Readings for the Feast of St. Stephen[2]Readings from the Jerusalem Bible
Readings and Commentary:[3]
Reading 1: Acts 6:8-10; 7:54-59
Now Stephen, filled with grace and power,
was working great wonders and signs among the people.
Certain members of the so-called Synagogue of Freedmen,
Cyrenians, and Alexandrians,
and people from Cilicia and Asia,
came forward and debated with Stephen,
but they could not withstand the wisdom and the spirit with which he spoke.
When they heard this, they were infuriated,
and they ground their teeth at him.
But he, filled with the Holy Spirit,
looked up intently to heaven
and saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God,
and he said,
“Behold, I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man
standing at the right hand of God.”
But they cried out in a loud voice, covered their ears,
and rushed upon him together.
They threw him out of the city, and began to stone him.
The witnesses laid down their cloaks
at the feet of a young man named Saul.
As they were stoning Stephen, he called out
“Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.”
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commentary on Acts 6:8-10; 7:54-59
We are given in our first reading the story of how St. Stephen, one of the first Deacons selected by the Apostles, was martyred. It is interesting to note that the "Saul" at whose feet the cloaks were laid is our own St. Paul who before his conversion was a talented prosecutor of Christians.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Responsorial Psalm:[4] Psalm 31:3cd-4, 6 and 8ab, 16bc and 17
R. (6) Into your hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit.
Be my rock of refuge,
a stronghold to give me safety.
You are my rock and my fortress;
for your name’s sake you will lead and guide me.
R. Into your hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit.
Into your hands I commend my spirit;
you will redeem me, O LORD, O faithful God.
I will rejoice and be glad because of your mercy.
R. Into your hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit.
Rescue me from the clutches of my enemies and my persecutors.
Let your face shine upon your servant;
save me in your kindness.
R. Into your hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commentary on Ps 31:3cd-4, 6 and 8ab, 16bc and 17
The psalmist gives us a song of faith very appropriate for the one who is put to the test for their faith. It is a prayer for rescue and a submission of will to God's saving power.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gospel: Matthew 10:17-22
“But beware of men, for they will hand you over to courts
and scourge you in their synagogues,
and you will be led before governors and kings for my sake
as a witness before them and the pagans.
When they hand you over,
do not worry about how you are to speak
or what you are to say.
You will be given at that moment what you are to say.
For it will not be you who speak
but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.
Brother will hand over brother to death,
and the father his child;
children will rise up against parents and have them put to death.
You will be hated by all because of my name,
but whoever endures to the end will be saved.”
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commentary on Mt 10:17-22
Jesus gives his disciples instructions on how to deal with the persecution they are to undergo at the hands of those who do not accept him, especially those in power. His instruction is one that relies on faith that the Father, through the Holy Spirit will supply the words. There is also a presumption that there will be loss of life - here the Lord tells us that those who are steadfast in their faith cannot die a spiritual death.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reflection:
Each year, on the day following Christmas, the Church celebrates the Feast of St. Stephen. The Gospel of St. John from Christmas Mass during the day tells us that the Word incarnate will be rejected by those who are His own (John 1:10). In today’s Gospel, the Lord cautions his followers that they too will face rejection, persecution, and possibly death. With the glow of the Morning Star that illuminated the manger still warming our hearts we are given a stern reminder of what discipleship means.
For the members of the diaconate, this day is very special. St. Stephen, the first martyr, is also one of the first deacons ordained by the Apostles to serve the Church. His feast day is considered the day upon which we celebrate the establishment of the diaconate. Since all ordained clergy in the Church (Deacons, Priests, and Bishops) are ordained to that rank and order, this is a very important day in the life of the Church as a whole.
In scripture today we are given selections that tell us of the unique connection between Jesus, the Apostles and those first seven deacons, most especially St. Stephen, upon whom hands were imposed, dedicating them to the service of the poor and marginalized members of the faith community. We hear the story of how St. Stephen was put to death for essentially the same reason as the Lord; that is he was proclaiming the good news in a way that infuriated the Hebrew leadership. We see the irony of the participation of Saul (later St. Paul, who also died a martyr's death) in the condemnation and execution of St. Stephen. One must wonder if St. Stephen's words did not, in some way, pave the path for St. Paul’s later conversion.
We here in the psalm the prayer for strength in the face of like persecution and we are given in the Gospel words of encouragement by Jesus who tells us; "...whoever endures to the end will be saved.” We must expect the same kind, if not the same degree of resistance in our own Christian witness based upon what the Lord tells us earlier in that same sentence; "You will be hated by all because of my name."
On this great feast of the Church, let us give thanks to God for the gift of all his Saints, especially St. Stephen, martyr and Deacon. Let us also give thanks to all those throughout history who have laid down their lives for the faith and pray that we can be courageous and follow in their steps.
Pax
[1] The picture today is “The Stoning of St. Stephen” by Pietro Da Cortona, 1660
[2] ALTRE[3] Text of Readings is taken from the New American Bible, Copyright © Libreria Editrice Vaticana
[4] Excerpts from the English translation of The Roman Missal © 1973, International Committee on English in the Liturgy, Inc. All rights reserved
Christmas
Mass During the Day
Readings for the Feast of the Nativity of the Lord[1][2]Readings from the Jerusalem Bible
Readings and Commentary:[3]
Reading 1: Isaiah 52:7-10
How beautiful upon the mountains
are the feet of him who brings glad tidings,
announcing peace, bearing good news,
announcing salvation, and saying to Zion,
“Your God is King!”
Hark! Your sentinels raise a cry,
together they shout for joy,
for they see directly, before their eyes,
the LORD restoring Zion.
Break out together in song,
O ruins of Jerusalem!
For the LORD comforts his people,
he redeems Jerusalem.
The LORD has bared his holy arm
in the sight of all the nations;
all the ends of the earth will behold
the salvation of our God.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commentary on Is 52:7-10
The Prophet’s original intent was to proclaim the joy of the return from the Babylonian exile. He sees the event as salvation for the Hebrew people, God leads them back. From a greater distance and depth of understanding we see him announcing the coming of the Messiah and the salvation that comes to the New Jerusalem through him.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Responsorial Psalm:[4] Psalm 98:1, 2-3, 3-4, 5-6
R. (3c) All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God.
Sing to the LORD a new song,
for he has done wondrous deeds;
his right hand has won victory for him,
his holy arm.
R. All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God.
The LORD has made his salvation known:
in the sight of the nations he has revealed his justice.
He has remembered his kindness and his faithfulness
toward the house of Israel.
R. All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God.
All the ends of the earth have seen
the salvation by our God.
Sing joyfully to the LORD, all you lands;
break into song; sing praise.
R. All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God.
Sing praise to the LORD with the harp,
with the harp and melodious song.
With trumpets and the sound of the horn
sing joyfully before the King, the LORD.
R. All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commentary on Ps 98:1, 2-3, 3-4, 5-6
Psalm 98 is a song of praise and thanksgiving. We see in this selection how God is praised for the strength he lends his people and the salvation he brings to those who are faithful. The psalm rejoices in God’s salvation. The Lord has revealed his compassion toward the people and they sing his praises in response. As the Hebrews saw this as salvation for the people of Israel from its enemies, we see the deeper expression of God’s love as he sent his Son for salvation and justice for the whole world.”
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reading II: Hebrews 1:1-6
Brothers and sisters:
In times past, God spoke in partial and various ways
to our ancestors through the prophets;
in these last days, he has spoken to us through the Son,
whom he made heir of all things
and through whom he created the universe,
who is the refulgence of his glory,
the very imprint of his being,
and who sustains all things by his mighty word.
When he had accomplished purification from sins,
he took his seat at the right hand of the Majesty on high,
as far superior to the angels
as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs.
For to which of the angels did God ever say:
You are my son; this day I have begotten you?
Or again:
I will be a father to him, and he shall be a son to me?
And again, when he leads the firstborn into the world, he says:
Let all the angels of God worship him.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commentary on Heb 1:1-6
“The letter (to the Hebrews) opens with an introduction consisting of a reflection on the climax of God's revelation to the human race in his Son. The divine communication was initiated and maintained during Old Testament times in fragmentary and varied ways through the prophets (Hebrews 1:1), including Abraham, Moses, and all through whom God spoke. But now in these last days (Hebrews 1:2) the final age, God's revelation of his saving purpose is achieved through a son, i.e., one who is Son, whose role is redeemer and mediator of creation. He was made heir of all things through his death and exaltation to glory, yet he existed before he appeared as man; through him God created the universe. Hebrews 1:3-4, which may be based upon a liturgical hymn, assimilate the Son to the personified Wisdom of the Old Testament as refulgence of God's glory and imprint of his being (Hebrews 1:3; cf Wisdom 7:26).”[5]
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gospel: John 1:1-18
In the beginning was the Word,
and the Word was with God,
and the Word was God.
He was in the beginning with God.
All things came to be through him,
and without him nothing came to be.
What came to be through him was life,
and this life was the light of the human race;
the light shines in the darkness,
and the darkness has not overcome it.
A man named John was sent from God.
He came for testimony, to testify to the light,
so that all might believe through him.
He was not the light,
but came to testify to the light.
The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world.
He was in the world,
and the world came to be through him,
but the world did not know him.
He came to what was his own,
but his own people did not accept him.
But to those who did accept him
he gave power to become children of God,
to those who believe in his name,
who were born not by natural generation
nor by human choice nor by a man’s decision
but of God.
And the Word became flesh
and made his dwelling among us,
and we saw his glory,
the glory as of the Father’s only Son,
full of grace and truth.
John testified to him and cried out, saying,
“This was he of whom I said,
‘The one who is coming after me ranks ahead of me
because he existed before me.’”
From his fullness we have all received,
grace in place of grace,
because while the law was given through Moses,
grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.
No one has ever seen God.
The only Son, God, who is at the Father’s side,
has revealed him.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commentary on Jn 1:1-18
The introduction of St. John’s Gospel first provides the description of the relationship of God and Jesus who is the Logos – or word of God. The Word is light to the world and all things are subordinate to the Word because they were created by and through the Word.
St. John then introduces himself as one who came to testify to the light (now equivocated above with the Word). His message, like that of Jesus was not accepted by the very people created by the Lord. He goes on to say that those who accept Christ are adopted by God.
St. John then makes his own profession as he speaks of the incarnation of the eternal as “the word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.” His divinity is once more established as he says “…we saw his glory, the glory as of the Father’s only Son”. This was the message St. John tells us he was sent to bring. He then reestablishes himself as messenger and servant of the one who sent him, Jesus. He says that while Moses brought the Law, Christ came and revealed God himself.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OR: John1:1-5, 9-14
In the beginning was the Word,
and the Word was with God,
and the Word was God.
He was in the beginning with God.
All things came to be through him,
and without him nothing came to be.
What came to be through him was life,
and this life was the light of the human race;
the light shines in the darkness,
and the darkness has not overcome it.
The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world.
He was in the world,
and the world came to be through him,
but the world did not know him.
He came to what was his own,
but his own people did not accept him.
But to those who did accept him
he gave power to become children of God,
to those who believe in his name,
who were born not by natural generation
nor by human choice nor by a man’s decision
but of God.
And the Word became flesh
and made his dwelling among us,
and we saw his glory,
the glory as of the Father’s only Son,
full of grace and truth.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commentary on Jn1:1-5, 9-14
In this shorter form of the Gospel, the first introduction and second introductions of the Gospel author is omitted “the one who came to testify to the light. He reiterates his role as messenger in the John 1:15 as he says “This was he of whom I said, 'The one who is coming after me ranks ahead of me because he existed before me.'" Omitting these references to St. John, focuses the scripture more specifically on the incarnation of Christ as the “Word mad flesh.”
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reflection:
“This feast is held in common by the whole creation: the stars run in the heavens, magi arrive from foreign lands, the earth receives him in a cave. There is nothing that does not add to this feast, nothing that does not come to it with full hands. Let us, too, ring out a song of joy” [6]- Saint Basil
Profound awe tempers our enthusiasm as our joy at the incarnation of the word is announced by St. John’s Gospel today. His is not the story of the baby Jesus born in the manger in Bethlehem. St. John does not mention the difficult journey from Nazareth nor the crowded conditions that forced them to stay in a cave. He does not recall the angel choirs singing to the shepherds nor the kings from the east following the morning star that lit the night sky under which the baby was laid.
This day we are reminded that he who took on flesh and became man for our salvation is eternal. Before he came to the virgin’s womb was the Word. When God created all that is was the Word. It was through the Word that we have life and light because the Word is light.
God took the light of creation and made it man so that we might see the light and understand the love of God who was both eternal and mortal in the form of Jesus. It is this amazing gift we celebrate today as we ponder the love of one so great he is beyond our imagining.
We are reminded too that when the light came into the world it was rejected by those who love the darkness. The Word made flesh was not to be adored but brought light none the less. His short journey was from the manger to the cross and while we celebrate one on this day, we remember the other.
Today, whether we recall the manger in Bethlehem or the Logos, the Word that brought light into the world, we thank the Father who through his Son’s sacrifice has adopted us and provided us with salvation through the forgiveness of our sins. We celebrate the great love we receive in this gift and pass that love on to all we meet so that we to become light in dark places.
Merry Christmas indeed, in the Word comes our joy and the peace of him who was made flesh four our salvation.
[1] ALTRE[2] The picture used today is “Nativity” by Marten de Vos, 1577
[3] Text of Readings is taken from the New American Bible, Copyright © Libreria Editrice Vaticana
[4] Excerpts from the English translation of The Roman Missal © 1973, International Committee on English in the Liturgy, Inc. All rights reserved
[5] See NAB footnote on Heb 1:1-6
[6] Homily on the birth of Christ; PG 31, 1471f.
