Choosing Christ

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today warn us about hostility to God in the “world” and invite us to celebrate Love in devotion to our family, friends, and vocation.

Choose Our Way

The Reading from the First Letter of John advises Members of the Community about 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 proclaims that to the just ruler of all belongs worship.

* [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 gives thanks for the Child.

* [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 | USCCB, n.d.)

Barbara Dilly comments that our readings today remind us that we can continue to feel close to the light love of God by staying close to the will and word of God. It seems to me that the Christmas season is often more about the things of this world than a focus on our relationship with God.

Growing in faith and understanding of Christ as the light of the world has made Christmas so much more meaningful for me. All the enticements of the magic of Christmas in the things of this world not only distract us, but they fall away. But the true light of Christmas can give us confidence in our relationship with God, our father, and the strength we are given to conquer evil through the word of God. I can more confidently go into the darkness of winter and even certainly the darkness of my own sins, knowing I am defined by a loving relationship with God. It is my prayer that, in the days following Christmas, we can each find that light in our own lives and draw strength from it. (Dilly, 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 teaches us that we can’t keep the good news of Jesus to ourselves. Even here, near the end of her life, Anna “spoke about the child to all who were awaiting the redemption of Jerusalem” (Luke 2:38).

Today, pray for the faith that Anna had. Ask the Spirit to help you detect the presence of God in smallness, as Anna saw it in the Christ Child. Ask for the strength to trust him during times of waiting or sorrow. And ask for the boldness to tell someone about how God has been faithful to you. Tell them about the God who never stops reaching out to his children.

“Thank you, Lord, for coming to save us! St. Anna of Asher, pray for us!” (Meditation on Luke 2:36-40, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler comments that the author of 1 John speaks to the children, fathers, and young men based on knowledge of the faith. The author advises them to avoid the “world”, those elements that reject Jesus and live with concupiscence. Friar Jude underlines that we have to make choices about how to live. Anna the woman prophet, typical man and woman stories in Luke, recognizes Jesus. The Holy Family go to Nazareth where Jesus grows physically and psychologically. Friar Jude supports Jesus growing as a normal child living fully in the love of God.

Fr. Mike Schmitz dives into the fall of Babylon described in Revelation 18, pointing out how several images and expressions of this key chapter are taken from the judgmental oracles in the old testament, particularly those from the prophet Jeremiah. Fr. Mike also emphasizes the reality of God’s judgment, the resurrection of the dead, and how Christ’s sacrifice is presented to God in the heavenly sanctuary once and for all. Today we read Revelation 18-20, Hebrews 9-10, and Proverbs 31:26-29.

CAC core faculty member Carmen Acevedo Butcher speaks of how we can become agents of transformation and healing by giving of ourselves like salt and light:

Obviously salt and light look different on the surface, but they both fulfill their powerful natures by giving away or losing themselves. “You are salt and light” is a counter-cultural revolutionary statement, rich with psychological and embodied, empowering wisdom. May we remember that like the wise self-emptying of kenosis, being salt and light reminds us that no matter how broken or broken-hearted by the world’s suffering, we are love and are most ourselves when giving ourselves away, embracing grief’s salty tears.

May we remember we are God’s children. As Howard Thurman writes: “[Whoever] knows this is able to transcend the vicissitudes of life, however terrifying and look out on the world with quiet eyes.” [1]

May you and I see the world and everyone in it with quiet eyes and may we act in the world with kind hearts, being salt and light. Amen. (Butcher, n.d.)

We call upon the Spirit to use our gratitude and recognition of Christ in Love to activate our Baptismal role as priest, prophet and leader in our community.

References

Butcher, C. (n.d.). Daily Meditations — Center for Action and Contemplation. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved December 30, 2025, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/dissolving-into-love/ 

Dilly, B. (n.d.). Daily Reflection. Creighton Online Ministries: Home. Retrieved December 30, 2025, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/daily-reflections/daily-reflection-december-30-2025 

Luke, CHAPTER 2 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved December 30, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/luke/2?36 

Meditation on Luke 2:36-40. (n.d.). Word Among Us. Retrieved December 30, 2025, from https://wau.org/meditations/2025/12/30/1462084/ 

1 John, CHAPTER 2 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved December 30, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/1john/2? 

Psalms, PSALM 96 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved December 30, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/96?7 

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, 2025, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/ 

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