Memorial of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, Religious (United States)

Memorial of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, Religious (United States)

“Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton“ 
artist and date were not cited

Biographical Information about St. Elizabeth Ann Seton [1]

Note: Alternate Readings for this memorial may be taken from the Common of Holy Men and Women

Readings for January 4 Christmas Weekday

Readings from the Jerusalem Bible [2]

Commentary:

Reading 1: 1 John 3:7-10

Commentary on 1 Jn 3:7-10

St. John continues the theme of living as children of God. In this selection, we find he has taken his comparison in a somewhat reflective direction. He looks at the behavior of those who belong to God and those who belong to the Devil as being distinguishable to God because of their love for one another. His exhortation is against the gnostic notion that all one needs to be considered “righteous” is to have an attitude of righteousness. He refutes this, saying that we must be imitators of Christ, and our actions enhance the righteousness which belongs to those who have faith in Christ Jesus.

CCC: 1 Jn 3:8 385, 392, 394

---------------------------------------------------------------------

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 98:1, 7-8, 9

R. (3cd) All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God.

Commentary on Ps 98:1, 7-8, 9

Psalm 98 is a song of thanksgiving. This selection gives thanks for God’s creation and reminds the community that all things are subject to the Lord, and all the world rejoices under his rule. In the Christmas context, we see God’s victory accomplished through Jesus, who is the Christ, God’s right arm. As a consequence of that victory, all of God’s creation rejoices with us.

---------------------------------------------------------------------

Gospel: John 1:35-42

Commentary on Jn 1:35-42

John the Baptist recognizes Jesus as the Messiah, once again pronouncing the words he spoke when the Lord presented himself for baptism: “Behold, the Lamb of God” (John 1:29-34). It also shows the humility of the “Voice,” always deferring to the “Word.” St. John’s disciples hear him identify Jesus as “the Lamb of God” and follow Jesus. St. John, who must “decrease” (John 3:30), encourages his own disciples to follow Jesus. In this passage, a shortened version of the call of the first disciples, we see the impact of the prophet’s pronouncement on two of his own disciples, one of whom, St. Andrew, we will come to revere as one of the Twelve. He is the brother of Peter. Once he has become aware of the identity of Jesus, he invites his brother to join him in faith. It is Simon Peter who receives his new name, “Rock,” in this story. (See also the commentary on Matthew 16:13-19.)

It is interesting to note the evolution of the name given to St. Andrew's brother through the multi-linguistic nature of the translation of  “you will be called Cephas,” “which is translated Peter.” Cephas is from the Aramaic which means rock; however the original translation was from Aramaic to Greek.  Rock in Greek is rendered as Petros. Our name Peter derives from that form.

CCC: Jn 1:36 608

---------------------------------------------------------------------

Reflection:

Let’s imagine today that we are hearing the “Jesus Story” for the first time, as if we suffered amnesia at the Feast of Christ the King that ended the Church year. Throughout Advent we were hearing about the coming of a great event; we were preparing ourselves because God was about to demonstrate his incredible love for us by giving us the gift of His Only Begotten Son.

Then, just a few short days ago, we heard the story of our Lord’s humble beginning: born, not as a king or prince, but in a manger. We were amazed to hear the choirs of angels announcing his birth to the nearby shepherds and felt the warmth of that star.

Our revelation is not yet complete though. We were told that the Son of God had been born, we heard about his parents being warned to flee with him to Egypt, and have seen signs of his coming heritage when he stayed at the temple, calling it his Father’s house.

This week, our expectation is being raised to new heights as the story unfolds even further. The Lord’s own cousin has become a prophet of great renown. Religious leaders from Jerusalem have even asked if he, John the Baptist, were the Messiah or possibly Elijah returned from the dead. John told them there was one coming far greater than he, whose sandal straps he was not fit to untie.

Then, first yesterday and again today, we hear him say those amazing words: “Behold the Lamb of God.” The Lamb of God, the Christ, as St. Andrew named him to his brother Simon, who was later renamed Peter. We hear those words and wonder, is this the one we were truly promised? The pieces are beginning to fit: all of the prophecies we have heard from Isaiah and Jeremiah, from Sirach and even the Psalms. Just today we heard the ancient psalmist say: “His right hand has won victory for him, his holy arm.” Who could that right hand and holy arm be but the Christ, the Lamb of God?

If we can imagine the power of hearing that story, living that story for the first time, we can get a sense of the awe and peace the Lord sends us in this season. Let us today sit back and recall the Jesus story from the beginning as if it were the first time, and be brought to that wonderful place to which the Lord calls us.

Pax

---

[1] The picture is “Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton.“ artist and date were not cited.

[2] S.S. Commemoratio