Christmas Weekday
Information about the Feast of the Most Holy Name of Jesus
Readings for January 3rd, Christmas Weekday[1][2]
Readings from the Jerusalem Bible
Readings and Commentary:[3]
Reading 1: 1 John 2:29–3:6
If you consider that God is righteous,
you also know that everyone who acts in righteousness
is begotten by him.
See what love the Father has bestowed on us
that we may be called the children of God.
Yet so we are.
The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him.
Beloved, we are God’s children now;
what we shall be has not yet been revealed.
We do know that when it is revealed we shall be like him,
for we shall see him as he is.
Everyone who has this hope based on him makes himself pure,
as he is pure.
Everyone who commits sin commits lawlessness,
for sin is lawlessness.
You know that he was revealed to take away sins,
and in him there is no sin.
No one who remains in him sins;
no one who sins has seen him or known him.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commentary on 1 Jn 2:29–3:6
This selection from St. John’s first letter starts by telling his followers that since they have chosen to act in accordance with the Lord’s commandments, they have received his adoption. The logic stream throughout almost feels like a math axiom- like 3+5 is the same as 5+3. In this case we are first told that if we are righteous we are of God because God is righteous. Then he goes on to say if we are pure, we are in Him because he is purity. Finally he gives us the inverse, saying if we are in sin we cannot be in God because in God there is no sin. All of this relative description relates to our adopted status in the Lord.
In chapter 3 the Evangelist explains Christian Adoption. “The greatest sign of God's love is the gift of his Son (John 3:16) that has made Christians true children of God. This relationship is a present reality and also part of the life to come; true knowledge of God will ultimately be gained, and Christians prepare themselves now by virtuous lives in imitation of the Son.”[4]
In the final paragraph reference to sin and lawlessness are probably references to acting in ways that follow the teachings of the “antichrist” or false teachers.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Responsorial Psalm:[5] Psalm 98:1, 3cd-4, 5-6
R. (3cd) 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.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commentary on Ps 98:1, 3cd-4, 5-6
Psalm 98 is used once more today. This selection from the song of praise and thanksgiving presents the image of God as a mighty warrior is used by the singer, thanking God for his protection and salvation.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gospel: John 1:29-34
The next day he (John the Baptist) saw Jesus
coming toward him and said,
“Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.
He is the one of whom I said,
‘A man is coming after me who ranks ahead of me
because he existed before me.’
I did not know him,
but the reason why I came baptizing with water
was that he might be made known to Israel.”
John testified further, saying,
“I saw the Spirit come down like a dove from the sky
and remain upon him.
I did not know him,
but the one who sent me to baptize with water told me,
‘On whomever you see the Spirit come down and remain,
he is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.’
Now I have seen and testified that he is the Son of God.”
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commentary on Jn 1:29-34
St. John’s Gospel continues the story of St. John the Baptist. Here he professes the identity of the Jesus as the Messiah, “the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.” The author’s theological understanding of the eternal nature of Christ is expressed in the Baptist’s words “A man is coming after me who ranks ahead of me because he existed before me.’
After stating the connection between Jesus the Christ and the Baptist’s mission, the author follows the tradition of the synoptic Gospels as he describes Jesus emerging from his baptism in the Jordan and the decent of the Holy Spirit. St. John concludes this testimony by St. John the Baptist with a solid affirmation that Jesus is the Son of God.
John’s great epiphany becomes our own – Jesus followed John the Baptist, being born after he was but ranking high above him and every one else. He, the Baptist, came baptizing with water; Jesus in the Holy Spirit and he recounts how, when Jesus came to the repentant bath in the Jordan, the dove descended and God the Father claimed him.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reflection:
Let’s imagine for a moment the circumstances around St. John’s vision in the Gospel. We’ll start before the scene unfolds. We place ourselves in the place of a religious Jewish couple living in Jerusalem at that time. They hear of this strange prophet calling every one to repentance down by the Jordan River. From the descriptions of his eccentric behavior and dress, it sounds like the first prophet, Elijah, returned in the flesh. Many of the couple’s friends have gone and told of this strange holy man and how he has done the symbolic cleansing ritual in the river.
They decide to go, as much out of curiosity as from a sense of spiritual need. It is not a short walk, probably over 25 miles. It would be a two or three day journey to the east to get to this place. If they were fortunate they could hook up with others making the same pilgrimage, perhaps even getting a ride in a cart.
When they arrive where the man called John the Baptist is preaching they become apprehensive. This prophet is consumed with a spirit. He is preaching “Repent” – return to the Lord, be faithful to what God has commanded. That was a fairly standard message from holy men. But it was the second part, “…There is one coming after me. He will baptize you with fire and the spirit.” This was almost surreal. Here was a prophet of the style, demeanor and message of Elijah, preaching about the Messiah. It all sort of came together. Elijah, it was foretold by the Talmud, would return to announce the Messiah – the one who would lead Israel to freedom and throw out the Romans. The Messiah would become like King David, being of his lineage, and the people would know peace. This was the message of the wild eyed prophet standing on the bank of the Jordan.
The charismatic flow of this gathering would compel them to take their place in line. The message the Baptist spoke struck them to the heart. They could feel the rightness of it. And as they approach a remarkable calm comes over the whole area. Someone in line ahead of them has started to approach the prophet and everything changes. The prophet suddenly becomes subservient. Looking around he cries out:
“Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.
He is the one of whom I said,
‘A man is coming after me who ranks ahead of me
because he existed before me.’
I did not know him,
but the reason why I came baptizing with water
was that he might be made known to Israel.”
There would be stunned silence as the young man approaches the Baptizer. There is something about him, something like nothing anyone has seen; a peace and tranquility that is at once humble and regal. The man and the Baptizer exchange words;
The Baptizer says “I need to be baptized by you, and yet you are coming to me?"
The man said to him in reply, "Allow it now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness."
Then it happened, this incredible stranger allowed the Baptizer to pour water over him and when he came out of the river it was like a bright light surrounded him and what looked like a brilliant white dove hovered above him and seemed to move with him. And there was a sound and in that sound were words that sounded like “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased."
Everyone would have been frightened to see such a remarkable sight. And they all wondered “Could it be? Could this be the Messiah? He didn’t look the part, he had no regal robes or crown, but could it be?” The Baptizer had said he was “the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.” What could that mean?
Back in our present, we know the answers to the questions that must have been asked when all these things took place. Perhaps that is why we sometimes loose the sense of wonder that we should have when at the Eucharistic sacrifice the priest holds the bread of life up for all to see and, like St. John the Baptist pronounces those words; “Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.”
Something wondrous has come into the world and in this Christmas season let us rejoice in it and regain the wonder of God’s great love for us.
Pax
Information about the Feast of the Most Holy Name of Jesus
Readings for January 3rd, Christmas Weekday[1][2]
Readings from the Jerusalem Bible
Readings and Commentary:[3]
Reading 1: 1 John 2:29–3:6
If you consider that God is righteous,
you also know that everyone who acts in righteousness
is begotten by him.
See what love the Father has bestowed on us
that we may be called the children of God.
Yet so we are.
The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him.
Beloved, we are God’s children now;
what we shall be has not yet been revealed.
We do know that when it is revealed we shall be like him,
for we shall see him as he is.
Everyone who has this hope based on him makes himself pure,
as he is pure.
Everyone who commits sin commits lawlessness,
for sin is lawlessness.
You know that he was revealed to take away sins,
and in him there is no sin.
No one who remains in him sins;
no one who sins has seen him or known him.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commentary on 1 Jn 2:29–3:6
This selection from St. John’s first letter starts by telling his followers that since they have chosen to act in accordance with the Lord’s commandments, they have received his adoption. The logic stream throughout almost feels like a math axiom- like 3+5 is the same as 5+3. In this case we are first told that if we are righteous we are of God because God is righteous. Then he goes on to say if we are pure, we are in Him because he is purity. Finally he gives us the inverse, saying if we are in sin we cannot be in God because in God there is no sin. All of this relative description relates to our adopted status in the Lord.
In chapter 3 the Evangelist explains Christian Adoption. “The greatest sign of God's love is the gift of his Son (John 3:16) that has made Christians true children of God. This relationship is a present reality and also part of the life to come; true knowledge of God will ultimately be gained, and Christians prepare themselves now by virtuous lives in imitation of the Son.”[4]
In the final paragraph reference to sin and lawlessness are probably references to acting in ways that follow the teachings of the “antichrist” or false teachers.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Responsorial Psalm:[5] Psalm 98:1, 3cd-4, 5-6
R. (3cd) 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.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commentary on Ps 98:1, 3cd-4, 5-6
Psalm 98 is used once more today. This selection from the song of praise and thanksgiving presents the image of God as a mighty warrior is used by the singer, thanking God for his protection and salvation.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gospel: John 1:29-34
The next day he (John the Baptist) saw Jesus
coming toward him and said,
“Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.
He is the one of whom I said,
‘A man is coming after me who ranks ahead of me
because he existed before me.’
I did not know him,
but the reason why I came baptizing with water
was that he might be made known to Israel.”
John testified further, saying,
“I saw the Spirit come down like a dove from the sky
and remain upon him.
I did not know him,
but the one who sent me to baptize with water told me,
‘On whomever you see the Spirit come down and remain,
he is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.’
Now I have seen and testified that he is the Son of God.”
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commentary on Jn 1:29-34
St. John’s Gospel continues the story of St. John the Baptist. Here he professes the identity of the Jesus as the Messiah, “the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.” The author’s theological understanding of the eternal nature of Christ is expressed in the Baptist’s words “A man is coming after me who ranks ahead of me because he existed before me.’
After stating the connection between Jesus the Christ and the Baptist’s mission, the author follows the tradition of the synoptic Gospels as he describes Jesus emerging from his baptism in the Jordan and the decent of the Holy Spirit. St. John concludes this testimony by St. John the Baptist with a solid affirmation that Jesus is the Son of God.
John’s great epiphany becomes our own – Jesus followed John the Baptist, being born after he was but ranking high above him and every one else. He, the Baptist, came baptizing with water; Jesus in the Holy Spirit and he recounts how, when Jesus came to the repentant bath in the Jordan, the dove descended and God the Father claimed him.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reflection:
Let’s imagine for a moment the circumstances around St. John’s vision in the Gospel. We’ll start before the scene unfolds. We place ourselves in the place of a religious Jewish couple living in Jerusalem at that time. They hear of this strange prophet calling every one to repentance down by the Jordan River. From the descriptions of his eccentric behavior and dress, it sounds like the first prophet, Elijah, returned in the flesh. Many of the couple’s friends have gone and told of this strange holy man and how he has done the symbolic cleansing ritual in the river.
They decide to go, as much out of curiosity as from a sense of spiritual need. It is not a short walk, probably over 25 miles. It would be a two or three day journey to the east to get to this place. If they were fortunate they could hook up with others making the same pilgrimage, perhaps even getting a ride in a cart.
When they arrive where the man called John the Baptist is preaching they become apprehensive. This prophet is consumed with a spirit. He is preaching “Repent” – return to the Lord, be faithful to what God has commanded. That was a fairly standard message from holy men. But it was the second part, “…There is one coming after me. He will baptize you with fire and the spirit.” This was almost surreal. Here was a prophet of the style, demeanor and message of Elijah, preaching about the Messiah. It all sort of came together. Elijah, it was foretold by the Talmud, would return to announce the Messiah – the one who would lead Israel to freedom and throw out the Romans. The Messiah would become like King David, being of his lineage, and the people would know peace. This was the message of the wild eyed prophet standing on the bank of the Jordan.
The charismatic flow of this gathering would compel them to take their place in line. The message the Baptist spoke struck them to the heart. They could feel the rightness of it. And as they approach a remarkable calm comes over the whole area. Someone in line ahead of them has started to approach the prophet and everything changes. The prophet suddenly becomes subservient. Looking around he cries out:
“Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.
He is the one of whom I said,
‘A man is coming after me who ranks ahead of me
because he existed before me.’
I did not know him,
but the reason why I came baptizing with water
was that he might be made known to Israel.”
There would be stunned silence as the young man approaches the Baptizer. There is something about him, something like nothing anyone has seen; a peace and tranquility that is at once humble and regal. The man and the Baptizer exchange words;
The Baptizer says “I need to be baptized by you, and yet you are coming to me?"
The man said to him in reply, "Allow it now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness."
Then it happened, this incredible stranger allowed the Baptizer to pour water over him and when he came out of the river it was like a bright light surrounded him and what looked like a brilliant white dove hovered above him and seemed to move with him. And there was a sound and in that sound were words that sounded like “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased."
Everyone would have been frightened to see such a remarkable sight. And they all wondered “Could it be? Could this be the Messiah? He didn’t look the part, he had no regal robes or crown, but could it be?” The Baptizer had said he was “the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.” What could that mean?
Back in our present, we know the answers to the questions that must have been asked when all these things took place. Perhaps that is why we sometimes loose the sense of wonder that we should have when at the Eucharistic sacrifice the priest holds the bread of life up for all to see and, like St. John the Baptist pronounces those words; “Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.”
Something wondrous has come into the world and in this Christmas season let us rejoice in it and regain the wonder of God’s great love for us.
Pax
[1] ALTRE
[2] The picture used today is “Baptism of Christ” by Juan Fernindez de Navarrete, 1568
[3] Text of Readings is taken from the New American Bible, Copyright © Libreria Editrice Vaticana
[4] See NAB footnote on 1 Jn 3:1ff
[5] Excerpts from the English translation of The Roman Missal © 1973, International Committee on English in the Liturgy, Inc. All rights reserved
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