The Word Among Us

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today resonate with the practice at year end to recall the events that shaped our journey and refresh our resolution to live as disciples of Christ in the New Year.

Word and Life

The reading from the First Letter of John is a warning against Antichrists.

* [2:18] It is the last hour: literally, “a last hour,” the period between the death and resurrection of Christ and his second coming. The antichrist: opponent or adversary of Christ; the term appears only in 1 John–2 John, but “pseudochrists” (translated “false messiahs”) in Mt 24:24 and Mk 13:22, and Paul’s “lawless one” in 2 Thes 2:3, are similar figures. Many antichrists: Matthew, Mark, and Revelation seem to indicate a collectivity of persons, here related to the false teachers.

* [2:19] Not really of our number: the apostate teachers only proved their lack of faith by leaving the community.

* [2:20] The anointing that comes from the holy one: this anointing is in the Old Testament sense of receiving the Spirit of God. The holy one probably refers to Christ. True knowledge is the gift of the Spirit (cf. Is 11:2), and the function of the Spirit is to lead Christians to the truth (Jn 14:17, 26; 16:13). (1 John, CHAPTER 2 | USCCB, n.d.)

Psalm 96 offers praise to God Who Comes in Judgement.

* [Psalm 96] A hymn inviting all humanity to praise the glories of Israel’s God (Ps 96:1–3), who is the sole God (Ps 96:4–6). To the just ruler of all belongs worship (Ps 96:7–10); even inanimate creation is to offer praise (Ps 96:11–13). This Psalm has numerous verbal and thematic contacts with Is 40–55, as does Ps 98. Another version of the Psalm is 1 Chr 16:23–33. (Psalms, PSALM 96 | USCCB, n.d.)

The Gospel of John proclaims the Word Became Flesh.

* [1:1–18] The prologue states the main themes of the gospel: life, light, truth, the world, testimony, and the preexistence of Jesus Christ, the incarnate Logos, who reveals God the Father. In origin, it was probably an early Christian hymn. Its closest parallel is in other christological hymns, Col 1:15–20 and Phil 2:6–11. Its core (Jn 1:1–5, 10–11, 14) is poetic in structure, with short phrases linked by “staircase parallelism,” in which the last word of one phrase becomes the first word of the next. Prose inserts (at least Jn 1:6–8, 15) deal with John the Baptist. (John, CHAPTER 1 | USCCB, n.d.)

Thomas Quinn comments that there will not be one “antichrist” but many. These may include: false prophets, blasphemers, corrupt leaders, those that love power and greed more than God. The list, unfortunately, may be endless.  It has even been used by Christians to defame and vilify other Christians.  Love one another. Jesus did make that clear.

St. Ignatius, in the spiritual exercises, asks us to choose a standard or side. Do you choose evil or good? Like St. John, St. Ignatius believed in the power that evil can have over us. We too need to be vigilant in this regard. If we cling to the standard of Christ, goodness and holiness will follow.  We will be spiritually stronger than any evil entity or idea. St. John also reminds us, in the Gospel today, that “The Word of God became flesh and dwelt among us.” We know the way to spiritual security and joy. We have been given the law through Moses, and grace and truth through Jesus Christ. “In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” Let the eternal and true light of the world shine upon us. Live our lives in this new year by more closely following Jesus’ example; be joyful and love one another. (Quinn, 2024)

Don Schwager quotes “The first-fruits of the Gospels,” by Origen of Alexandria (185-254 AD).

"I think that John's Gospel, which you have enjoined us to examine to the best of our ability, is the first-fruits of the Gospels. It speaks of him whose descent is traced and begins from him who is without a genealogy... The greater and more perfect expressions concerning Jesus are reserved for the one who leaned on Jesus' breast. For none of the other Gospels manifested his divinity as fully as John when he presented him saying, 'I am the light of the world' (John 8:42), 'I am the way and the truth and the life' (John 14:6), 'I am the resurrection' (John 11:25), 'I am the door' (John 10:9), 'I am the good shepherd' (John 10:11)... We might dare say then that the Gospels are the first-fruits of all Scripture but that the first-fruits of the Gospels is that according to John whose meaning no one can understand who has not leaned on Jesus' breast or received Mary from Jesus to be his mother also." (excerpt from COMMENTARY ON THE GOSPEL OF JOHN 1.21-23) (Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on 1 John 2:18-21 comments that John encourages us not to be afraid. Why? Because we know the truth. Because we have received “the anointing that comes from the Holy One” (1 John 2:20). And that Holy One is “the Father’s only-begotten Son, full of grace and truth” (John 1:14). Even though we don’t know what the coming year might hold, we can cling to this truth, and that can prepare our hearts for whatever happens.

It’s true that we don’t know what this new year will hold. But it’s equally true that we know the One who holds the new year in his hands. He is in our corner, and we can trust in his love and fidelity.

So lift up your heart and walk boldly into the new year.

“Thank you, Jesus, that I can trust you completely.” (Meditation on 1 John 2:18-21, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler comments on the impact of docetism, a form of Gnosticism, that dismissed the divinity of Christ and valued the spiritual over the material. The Word, wisdom, sarx, and Christ are differentiated in the poetry and prose of the Prologue of the Gospel of John. We have seen the grace and truth, hesed and emet, from the Hebrew Testament. Friar Jude reminds us of Jesus' mission to reveal who the Father is and what He wants of us.

Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, introduces spiritual writer Debie Thomas who considers the significance of salt to Jesus’ first listeners.

Salt poured out without discretion leaves a burnt, bitter sensation in its wake. It ruins what it tries to enhance. It repels.  

This, unfortunately, is the reputation Christianity has these days. We are known as the salt that exacerbates wounds, irritates souls, and ruins goodness. We are considered arrogant, domineering, obnoxious, and uninterested in enhancing anything but ourselves. We are known for hoarding our power, not for giving it away. We are known for shaming, not blessing. We are known for using our words to burn, not heal.  

This is not what Jesus intends when he calls us the salt of the earth…. Salt at its best sustains and enriches life. It pours itself out with discretion so that God’s kingdom might be known on the earth—a kingdom of spice and zest, a kingdom of health and wholeness, a kingdom of varied depth, flavor, and complexity.  

In his Sermon on the Mount, Jesus makes concrete the work of love, compassion, healing, and justice. It’s not enough to believe. It’s not enough to bask in our blessedness while creation burns. To be blessed, to be salt, to be followers of Jesus, is to take seriously what our identity signifies. (Rohr, n.d.) 

In the time of reflection on the past year, we ponder the connection of Word becoming flesh to our experience and plans as followers of Christ.

References

John, CHAPTER 1 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved December 31, 2024, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/john/1?1 

Meditation on 1 John 2:18-21. (n.d.). The Word Among Us: Homepage. Retrieved December 31, 2024, from https://wau.org/meditations/2024/12/31/1169162/ 

1 John, CHAPTER 2 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved December 31, 2024, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/1john/2?18 

Psalms, PSALM 96 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved December 31, 2024, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/96?1 

Quinn, T. (2024, December 31). Creighton U. Daily Reflection. Creighton U. Daily Reflection. Retrieved December 31, 2024, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/123124.html 

Rohr, R. (n.d.). Why Does Salt Matter? Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved December 31, 2024, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/why-does-salt-matter/ 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). The Word Became Flesh and Dwelt among Us. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved December 31, 2024, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/?ds_year=2024&date=dec31 

Worldly Desire and Heavenly Help

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today echo the joy and celebration that we share through our relationship with Jesus, that is our defence against worldly desires.

Love and the World

The reading from the First Letter of John addresses members of the community concerning desires of the world.

* [2:12–17] The Christian community that has experienced the grace of God through forgiveness of sin and knowledge of Christ is armed against the evil one.

* [2:12] For his name’s sake: because of Christ our sins are forgiven.

* [2:15] The world: all that is hostile toward God and alienated from him. Love of the world and love of God are thus mutually exclusive; cf. Jas 4:4.

* [2:16] Sensual lust: literally, “the lust of the flesh,” inordinate desire for physical gratification. Enticement for the eyes: literally, “the lust of the eyes,” avarice or covetousness; the eyes are regarded as the windows of the soul. Pretentious life: literally, “pride of life,” arrogance or ostentation in one’s earthly style of life that reflects a willful independence from God and others. (1 John, CHAPTER 2 | USCCB, n.d.)

Psalm 96 offers praise to God Who Comes in Judgement.

* [Psalm 96] A hymn inviting all humanity to praise the glories of Israel’s God (Ps 96:1–3), who is the sole God (Ps 96:4–6). To the just ruler of all belongs worship (Ps 96:7–10); even inanimate creation is to offer praise (Ps 96:11–13). This Psalm has numerous verbal and thematic contacts with Is 40–55, as does Ps 98. Another version of the Psalm is 1 Chr 16:23–33. (Psalms, PSALM 96 | USCCB, n.d.)

In the Gospel of Luke, Anna joins the Presentation in the Temple before the return to Nazareth.

* [2:22–40] The presentation of Jesus in the temple depicts the parents of Jesus as devout Jews, faithful observers of the law of the Lord (Lk 2:23–24, 39), i.e., the law of Moses. In this respect, they are described in a fashion similar to the parents of John (Lk 1:6) and Simeon (Lk 2:25) and Anna (Lk 2:36–37). (Luke, CHAPTER 2, n.d.)

Gladyce Janky imagines that Anna yearned to hold the little boy, and Mary seemed more than willing to give her son to the prophetess.  Cuddling Jesus in her arms, Anna knew this was the child in her vision as the light surrounding him filled the emptiness within her.

 

God, this is not my son, but he feels like he is mine.  No, Anna, my beloved daughter, he is much more than that.  Prompted by the Holy Spirit, Anna understood she was holding God's hope for the world.  As she handed the baby back to Mary, she said, “God has blessed you with a son who will comfort those who suffer.  His light will fill their emptiness with God's love, for he is the light of the world.”  In a voice heard throughout the temple, Anna joyfully shouted, “Let the heavens be glad, and the earth rejoice!” ( Ps 96:11) (Janky, n.d.)

Don Schwager quotes “Jesus, though rich, became poor for us,” by Ambrose of Milan, 339-397 A.D.

"Anna, who, by reason of her years of widowhood and her virtues, is set before us as wholly worthy of belief, announces that the Redeemer of all people has come... Not without purpose, however, does he make mention of the eighty-four years of her widowhood, because both the seven twelves and the two forties seemed to imply a number that is sacred."(excerpt from EXPOSITION OF THE GOSPEL OF LUKE 2.62) (Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on Luke 2:36-40 comments that Anna shows us the key for waiting peacefully and letting God’s plan play out: she prayed. She spent her days and nights worshipping in the Temple.

So today and every day, “go to the Temple.” Come into the presence of God with an expectant heart. He is always available to you. He always hears your cries for help. And though he may answer in unexpected ways, his arms are always open wide. He is always ready to give you his love and peace. As you follow Anna’s example, you will become more alert to the signs of God’s faithfulness in your life, and that will empower you to hold on to hope even as you wait.

“Lord, help me to wait with expectant faith! ” (Meditation on Luke 2:36-40, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler notes that the Letter of John addresses the range of believers from those new to the faith to those who have believed for a long time about avoiding the Evil One and the enticements of the world. The text is very dualistic and presents belonging to Jesus or to the world dragged down by concupiscence. Friar Jude reminds us that Luke uses the testimony of Anna to follow the testimony of the male prophet.

Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, reflects on what it means to live as “salt of the earth”.

First of all, he’s not saying that those who live this way are going to heaven. He is saying that they will be a certain kind of gift for the earth. What a misinterpretation has been handed on, again and again! We think of Jesus’ teaching as a set of prescriptions for getting to heaven (even though we haven’t followed them.) No, the Sermon on the Mount and especially the Beatitudes are a set of descriptions of a free life. 

When we can weep, when we can identify with the little ones, when we can make peace, when we can be persecuted and still be joyful—then we are doing it right. He’s saying this is what holiness will look like. When we act this way, “the reign of God is among you” (Luke 17:21).  

“If salt becomes tasteless, how can we salt the world with it?” asks Jesus. That message seems especially true today. If we no longer believe the gospel, if we no longer believe in nonviolence and powerlessness, then who’s going to convert us? We’re supposed to be the leaven of the world, yet if we no longer believe in the gospel, what hope do we have of offering anything new to anyone else? (Rohr, n.d.)

We continue to celebrate, as we ponder the proclamation of Anna, the possibilities for love, truth and compassion in following the Way of Jesus.

References

Janky, G. (n.d.). Daily Reflection Of Creighton University's Online Ministries. Creighton University's Online Ministries. Retrieved December 30, 2024, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/123024.html 

Luke, CHAPTER 2. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved December 30, 2024, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/luke/2? 

Meditation on Luke 2:36-40. (n.d.). The Word Among Us: Homepage. Retrieved December 30, 2024, from https://wau.org/meditations/2024/12/30/1168618/ 

1 John, CHAPTER 2 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved December 30, 2024, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/1john/2?12 

Psalms, PSALM 96 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved December 30, 2024, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/96?7 

Rohr, R. (n.d.). Salt of the Earth. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved December 30, 2024, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/salt-of-the-earth/ 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). Anna Recognized the Coming of Christ and Gave Thanks to God. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved December 30, 2024, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/?ds_year=2024&date=dec30