In his old age, the apostle wrote to his spiritual children to guide them in growing in Christian maturity—that the life and light and “love of God might be perfected” in them. Like his Gospel, this letter is profound, yet simple. Mysterious, yet clear enough for a child to understand it.
John begins his letter speaking of the Incarnation—"what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we looked upon, and touched with our hands.” By taking on our human flesh, the one born for us on Christmas was able to be heard, and seen and touched.
God who is love, according to his loving plan for our salvation, took on the flesh, entering the material physical world. And yet, in today’s readings, John speaks of the continued dangers of the physical world—how the flesh can lead us away from God if gone unchecked. He writes, “For all that is in the world, sensual lust, enticement for the eyes, and a pretentious life, is not from the Father but is from the world.”
Remember, John is writing to Christians because he wants Christians to know and love God. But he is honest that there are certain elements to living in the world that can hinder us.
Not everything that looks good is good for us. In fact, everything in the world has been contaminated. Everything can become an occasion for sin, if we allow our selfishness to prevail over our desires for godliness.
The world is enticing and seductive. Love of the world keeps us from loving God. Love of the things of the world keeps us from the Christian perfection God desires for us. Thinking ourselves entitled to the things of the world is a pretension deadly to the spiritual life.
Especially as we enter into a new year, we do well to identity an object or an activity or habit or a pastime, that we need to love less, that we may love Christ more.
To love Christ more: that is the gift God offers to each of us at Christmas. To love him more than the passing enticements of the world. And to allow that love to animate our lives, to form the way we treat others, to deepen our conviction for spreading his Gospel, for the glory of God and salvation of souls.
- - - -
Trusting in God’s loving plan and mindful of the call to draw closer to Christ, let us bring our prayers before the Lord:
That all Christians may recognize and turn away from any worldly attachments that hinder our relationship with Christ, and embrace a deeper conversion this new year.
For those who do not yet know the love of God: That through our witness and service, they may come to hear, see, and touch Christ’s presence alive in our midst.
For those struggling with illness, addiction or harmful habits: That they may find healing, support, and freedom in God’s grace, and discover the lasting peace Christ desires for them.
For the faithful departed: That through God’s mercy they may enjoy eternal rest, beholding at last the glory of the Incarnate Lord.
Loving Father, you sent your Son into the world so that we might experience the fullness of your love. Hear our prayers, and by your grace, help us cast aside anything that keeps us from you. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
No comments:
Post a Comment