As we are still in the Christmas Season, it is necessary to continue contemplating and understanding the mystery of the incarnation and nativity of Emmanuel. To understand this, we need to dig deeper into the mystery of Christology. The question is, who is Jesus? Both the first reading and the Gospel throw light on this. In my reflection, I will focus more on the First Reading.
The first letter of John, as we have heard, begins with a question. Who is a liar?
Who Denies Christ?
And it explains a liar here as an unbeliever, the one who denies Christ, the antichrist, and the one who denies the sonship relationship between Jesus and God the Father. John wants his followers and us to understand that Jesus and the Father have a closer and divine relationship. And believing in Jesus we come to possess the Father as indicated in prayer of Jesus ...they may be one as I and the Father are one (Jn 17:20-23). Jesus stands as a true reflector of the Father. Believing in Jesus gives us a sustaining reflection with the Father. A relationship is not only for here but for eternity. Our faith in Jesus is not futile; it has a goal and a greater objective to remain with him here and now and be with him eternally after our life here. However, this is not easy.
We must remain and abide fully with Truth, who is Jesus, because in the world there are liars and deceivers. The anointing we receive from Jesus remains eternally, giving us an indelible mark as St John asserts, “the anointing that you received from him remains in you.” It is the anointing of the Baptism by the Holy Spirit and grace that we receive through the sacrament of Baptism.
Grace of Baptism
Through the grace of Baptism, we receive the truth of Faith sustained in Jesus's presence in us, especially through the Eucharist, the real Body and Blood of Christ Jesus. In times of writing the Johannine epistles, there were people like secessionists. Some of them called Docetists differed from true believe about Jesus Christology, the failed to admit the humanity of Jesus. He calls them liars, and so the reasons he tells his followers to abide by the truth about Jesus. This truth is built in several elements. The first one is to remain with the tradition handed down to us by true teachings (Word), and the second one we ought to have a relationship with the Holy Spirit, the Paraclete.
In Gospel of Jn 15:7-8 reads, “If you abide in me and my words abide in you, ask for whatever you want and it will be done for you. My Father has been glorified in this: in your bearing much fruit and becoming my disciples.”
The Humanity of Jesus
Today, we may not have many issues with the Humanity of Jesus, but other truths that are either altered or manipulated can affect our Christian life in abiding with Jesus. For instance, the truth of Human dignity, the benefit and teachings about power of forgiveness and reconciliation versus revenge, the truths about Christian family life bound in love and other virtues of patience, kindness, joy, and humility. Abiding by Jesus who lives amongst us calls us into a duty to be witnesses and to express this especially among our families, which might be torn by competition, unforgiveness, jealousy, greed, laziness, or domestic violence.
Lord Jesus, son of God made incarnate come and dwell in us and our families.
Rekindle your truth in our families, heal our woundedness, and dispel all lies in our hearts. Amen.
- Today’s Readings
- Father Joachim's inspirational homily was recorded live during Mass at the Father Peyton Center this morning. You can view the Mass (and the Rosary at the 30-minute mark) on the Family Rosary YouTube page.
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