Monday Following Epiphany

(Optional Memorial for Saint Raymond of Penafort, Priest)

Proper for the Memorial of St. Raymond of Penafort

Biographical information about St. Raymond of Penafort

“Christ preaching on the Sea of Galilee,” by Jan Bruegel the Elder (1568–1625)

Readings for Monday following Epiphany [1]

Readings from the Jerusalem Bible [2]

Commentary:[3]

Reading 1: 1 John 3:22–4:6

Commentary on 1 Jn 3:22–4:6

The ending of Chapter 3 from St. John’s first epistle speaks of Christians living a life of faith in Jesus, and how, in that faith, they are assured, through mutual love, that we are in the Lord and the Lord also resides in us. In adhering to this most important of his commandments, the Lord becomes indwelling. As a consequence of our obedience, the love of Christ and love of each other naturally follows.

The beginning of Chapter 4 (“Beloved, do not trust every spirit…”) returns to the central theme of St. John’s letter, “false teachers.” “Deception is possible in spiritual phenomena and may be tested by its relation to Christian doctrine (cf. 1 Corinthians 12:3): those who fail to acknowledge Jesus Christ in the flesh are false prophets and belong to the antichrist. Even though these false prophets are well received in the world, the Christian who belongs to God has a greater power in the truth.” [4]

CCC: 1 Jn 3:19-24 2845; 1 Jn 3:22 2631; 1 Jn 4 2822; 1 Jn 4:2-3 465; 1 Jn 4:2 423, 463; 1 Jn 4:3 672

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Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 2:7bc-8, 10-12a

R. (8ab) I will give you all the nations for an inheritance.

Commentary on Ps 2:7bc-8, 10-12a

Psalm 2 is one of the “Royal Psalms.” In this passage we are reminded that God has adopted us as his sons and daughters. The language used is the formal adoption language of the time. The second strophe gives force to the service to God required by that adoption.

CCC:  Ps 2:7-8 2606; Ps 2:7 441, 653, 2836

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Gospel: Matthew 4:12-17, 23-25

Commentary on Mt 4:12-17, 23-25

The events in this Gospel passage take place just following Jesus’ trial in the desert. St. John the Baptist has accomplished his mission in baptizing Jesus and has been arrested. Jesus now takes up his mission, proclaiming the Kingdom of God. The Gospel quotes Isaiah (Isaiah 8:22-9:1) to emphasize that the messianic mission and prophecy are being fulfilled. The key elements of the mission are laid out as he reveals God’s love. These elements are teaching, proclaiming the gospel (the Good News of the Kingdom of God), and healing.

The summary provided serves as an introduction to the Sermon on the Mount which follows in the next section. Omitted from this part of the Gospel, in verses 18-22, is the call of the first disciples.

CCC: Mt 4:17 1720, 1989; Mt 4:24 1503

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Reflection:

We have, to be somewhat clichéd, “seen the light.”  The guiding star, that morning star that never sets, has led the Magi to the manger. Light has burst upon the world as the Savior is worshiped by the contingent of Gentile leaders representing the entire non-Jewish world.

The scripture provided today catapults us forward in time to the period immediately following the Lord’s trial in the desert, which in turn followed his baptism by the Baptist in the Jordan.  We are told that John the Baptist was arrested.  In all of the Gospels, this is like a starter’s pistol going off.  From that moment, the Lord begins his spectacular, but short, public ministry.  For those reading this story for the first time, the fate of John the Baptist would feel like a warning of things to come for Jesus, and they would be right.  Some of the same forces that snatched John away from his ministry of calling the people to repentance would later be marshaled against Jesus himself. 

What message do we take away from this flow of events?  We are still rejoicing in the warmth of Christmas and recharged in the Epiphany.  The season is not over yet.  The Baptism of the Lord which we will celebrate next Sunday actually launches us into Ordinary (extraordinary) Time.

Perhaps we would best look at St. John’s first letter for a more pragmatic instruction.  He makes it clear that our call is to be faithful to the first and greatest commandment of Jesus: Love God and love one another.  Anyone who tells us that this is not the most important imperative of our lives is leading us down dark paths.  And in this season of joy, St. John once more reminds us that the one who came from the virgin’s womb came so that the love of God might be revealed through him.  In that love, demonstrated so clearly in the mission summarized by Saint Matthew, we see not only our call but our hope. 

Today let us rededicate ourselves to the mission of Christ who came to show the love of God to the world.  Let us be instruments of that love and echo the Lord’s divine revelation to all we meet.

Pax

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[1] The picture is “Christ preaching on the Sea of Galilee,” by Jan Bruegel the Elder (1568–1625).

[2] S.S. Commemoratio

[4] See NAB footnote on 1 John 4:1-6.