(Optional Memorial of Saint Sylvester I, Pope)
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| “Nativity” by Francesco Di Giorgio Martini, 1488-94 |
Commentary:
Reading 1: 1 John 2:18-21
Commentary on 1 Jn 2:18-21
After telling his community that they were armed against evil by their knowledge of Christ, the Apostle now tells them that the 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.
CCC: 1 Jn 2:18 670, 672, 675; 1 Jn 2:20 91, 695
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Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 96:1-2, 11-12, 13
R. (11a) 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.
CCC: Ps 96:2 2143
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Gospel: John 1:1-18
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 John the Baptist as one who came to testify to the light (now homologous 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.
Concluding this selection, the Evangelist 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.
CCC: Jn 1:1-3 291; Jn 1:1 241, 454, 2780; Jn 1:3 268; Jn 1:4 612; Jn 1:6 717; Jn 1:7 719; Jn 1:9 1216; Jn 1:11 530; Jn 1:12-18 1996; Jn 1:12-13 706; Jn 1:12 526, 1692; Jn 1:13 496, 505, 526; Jn 1:14 423, 445, 454, 461, 594, 705, 2466; Jn 1:16 423, 504; Jn 1:17 2787; Jn 1:18 151, 454, 473
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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 first 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 a few years ago a 15 year old boy was in jail for shooting and killing a police officer. They treated 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?
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 fall 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. We know that those that leave, who reject the faith, often find it too difficult. It requires them to change their lifestyles, attitudes, or secular views more than they are willing or able to do. In the analogy of the light of faith, they blaze instantly, like flash powder, but then go completely dark – essentially burning out.
Belief in the Logos, the Word made flesh and all that is implied by that belief, 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
[2] The picture used today is “Nativity” by Francesco Di Giorgio Martini, 1488-94
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