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/ 

In, Not of The World

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today challenge us to navigate the slings and arrows of our journey with the hope and joy that comes from our relationships with God and the people on our journey.

In and not of

In the reading from the Acts of the Apostles, Timothy Joins Paul and Silas and Paul has a vision of a man of Macedonia.

* [16:3] Paul had him circumcised: he did this in order that Timothy might be able to associate with the Jews and so perform a ministry among them. Paul did not object to the Jewish Christians’ adherence to the law. But he insisted that the law could not be imposed on the Gentiles. Paul himself lived in accordance with the law, or as exempt from the law, according to particular circumstances (see 1 Cor 9:19–23). (Acts of the Apostles, CHAPTER 16, n.d.)

Psalm 100 praises all lands summoned to praise God.

* [Psalm 100] A hymn inviting the people to enter the Temple courts with thank offerings for the God who created them. * [100:3] Although the people call on all the nations of the world to join in their hymn, they are conscious of being the chosen people of God. (Psalms, PSALM 100, n.d.)

In the Gospel of John, Jesus shares that the World’s hatred will be known to His followers.

* [15:21] On account of my name: the idea of persecution for Jesus’ name is frequent in the New Testament (Mt 10:22; 24:9; Acts 9:14). For John, association with Jesus’ name implies union with Jesus. (John, CHAPTER 15, n.d.)

Joan Blandin Howard comments that Jesus left us two extraordinary gifts with his resurrection:  Hope and Joy.

Hope, such a little word without which all creation suffers and eventually dies. Hope is the living incentive to building the Kingdom.  Hope is rooted in unwavering belief and trust in God – God’s majesty, God’s mercy and God’s love – for me and for all creation. Joy, an even smaller word, is what sustains us.  Joy far surpasses excitement, pleasure and happiness which are transient.  Joy is grounded, stable, reliable, unwavering.  Joy is a way of being.  Joy is God dwelling within me.  I am God’s joy and hope.  Joy binds me to God and God to me.  They bind me to others.  I can experience happiness or sadness and still live grounded in joy.  Joy is not transient. Simply Profound yet Profoundly Simple (Howard, n.d.)

Don Schwager quotes “Those who suffer with Christ reign with Christ,” by Cyril of Alexandria, 375-444 A.D.

"It is just as if Jesus said, 'I, the creator of the universe, who have everything under my hand, both in heaven and on earth, did not bridle their rage or restrain ... their inclinations. Rather, I let each one choose their own course and permitted all to do what they wanted. Therefore, when I was persecuted, I endured it even though I had the power of preventing it. When you too follow in my wake and pursue the same course I did, you also will be persecuted. You're going to have to momentarily endure the aversion of those who hate you without being overly troubled by the ingratitude of those whom you benefit. This is how you attain my glory, for those who suffer with me shall also reign with me.'" (excerpt from COMMENTARY ON THE GOSPEL OF JOHN 10.2) (Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on Acts 16:1-10 comments that, like Paul, we face decisions—both big and small—every day. Especially with major decisions, it can be difficult to know what to do. But the Spirit wants to help us discern our path forward.

If you can’t yet see a “best” choice, you might try Paul’s strategy of pursuing one option to its end. In his case, he got a sense from the Spirit not to continue. This may happen for you, but the Lord might just as easily use other means to guide you. Some doors may open while others may close. Or you may find that one option begins to stand out from the rest. Often, as you try to follow the Spirit’s lead, you will find peace. This too can be the Lord’s way of showing you where to go or what to do. Finally, throughout the process, take heart. You may not know the outcome yet, but the Lord does. Just as he guided Paul, he will guide you if you seek him. “Lord, guide me in the decisions I will face today.” (Meditation on Acts 16:1-10, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler explains the circumcision of Timothy and the connection to his Jewish mother. Paul is called to Macedonia in a dream and away from areas being evangelized by others from Jerusalem. Friar Jude reminds us that, In John, the “world” are those people who have chosen to reject Jesus and what the Father wants for us.

Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, comments that in her book, Seeking the God Beyond, Anglican priest and author Janet P. Williams suggests poetry as a helpful way for individuals to move beyond ordinary patterns of thought and prayer. She writes, “Poems address mystery and reality sufficiently obliquely that in them we can, as Emily Dickinson demanded, ‘tell the truth [a]slant.’” [1] Here is an excerpt from a poem entitled “Grace” by Australian poet Judith Wright [1915–2000]. Through prayerful listening, the poem becomes an invitation to experience God beyond what we can know.

Living is dailiness, a simple bread

That’s worth the eating. But I have known a wine,

a drunkenness that can’t be spoken or sung . . .

It seems to have nothing to do with things at all . . .

[it] takes over the depth of flesh, the inward eye . . .

because it occurs beyond the here and now, positives, negatives, what we hope and are. [2] (Unknowing: Weekly Summary — Center for Action and Contemplation, 2022)

The choices we face on our journey may call us to act in opposition to the way of the world as we attend to the prompting of the Spirit to live in Jesus' Way of hope and joy.

References

Acts of the Apostles, CHAPTER 16. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved May 21, 2022, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/acts/16?1 

Howard, J. B. (n.d.). Creighton U. Daily Reflection. Online Ministries. Retrieved May 21, 2022, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/052122.html 

John, CHAPTER 15. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved May 21, 2022, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/john/15?18 

Meditation on Acts 16:1-10. (n.d.). The Word Among Us: Homepage. Retrieved May 21, 2022, from https://wau.org/meditations/2022/05/21/385712/ 

Psalms, PSALM 100. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved May 21, 2022, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/100?1 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved May 21, 2022, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/?ds_year=2022&date=may21 

Unknowing: Weekly Summary — Center for Action and Contemplation. (2022, May 21). Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved May 21, 2022, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/unknowing-weekly-summary-2022-05-21/ 

Wisdom for families

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today challenge us to contemplate the Wisdom in our spiritual tradition and use our specific experience of God to guide our action in bringing “Good News” to all people.

Bringing "Good News"

The reading from the First Letter of John warns members of the community not to love things opposed to Christ.

 * [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 4:4.1

Psalm 96 is a hymn that ascribes to the Lord, just ruler of all, 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);2 

In Gospel of Luke the parents of Jesus, as devout Jews, attend to the appropriate rites following birth in the Temple and 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).3 

Scott McClure reflects that an airport is a fascinating place. It is a city unto itself. It has restaurants, clothing stores, book stores, bars, and chiropractic kiosks. It has wifi and outlets to charge your devices. And Starbucks! It has seemingly everything a person would need to survive. (except fresh air!) (The 2004 Tom hanks movie, The Terminal explores just what it might mean to live in an airport, in fact.)

Today, Luke tells us of Anna whose orientation toward the worship of God is the necessity of her life, her fresh air. Anna, quite clearly, has heeded that the world and its enticement are passing away. The airport is a convenient microcosm of the world's enticement. It features in bright lights the materialism and distraction that can pervade our lives wherever we are, and in a particular way during the Christmas season. 
During this Octave of Christmas, let us take our cue from Anna. Jesus has been born in a manger. The King of Kings. Our fresh air. The necessity of our lives. Let us recognize that A holy day has dawned upon us and breathe in the fresh air that has entered our world with the birth of Christ.4 

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)5

The Word Among Us Meditation on Luke 2:36-40 comments that when she came to the Temple on this special day, Anna’s years of prayerful waiting had sharpened her awareness so that she recognized Jesus as her long-awaited Messiah. With the boldness that comes from prayer, she wasn’t shy about pointing him out to people. And because they knew her so well, they listened.

 You can probably identify some seasoned parishioners like Anna in your church. Their stories remind you of God’s goodness and faithfulness. They listen attentively to your concerns. They intercede and help lift the burdens of the people around them.
So keep your eyes open for the “Annas” out there. Take the time to thank them for all the ways they act as a positive influence on their surroundings—and on you.6

Friar Jude Winkler comments that the children, young people, and adults in the letter of John probably refer to stages of spiritual development. The dualistic tone of the letter is a starting point for exploration of pastoral response. Friar Jude reminds us of the rites of purification for Mary and redemption for Jesus that are presented in the Gospel.

Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, comments that anything called “Good News” needs to reveal a universal pattern that can be relied upon, and not just clannish patterns that might be occasionally true. This is probably why Christianity’s break with ethnic Judaism was inevitable, although never intended by either Jesus or Paul, and why by the early second century Christians were already calling themselves “catholics” or “the universals.” They believed God is leading all of history somewhere larger and broader and better for all of humanity… God’s grace cannot be a random problem-solver doled out to the few and the virtuous—or it is hardly grace at all! (See Ephesians 2:7-10 if you want the radical meaning of grace summed up in three succinct verses.)

 For me, a true comprehension of the full Christ Mystery is the key to the foundational reform of the Christian religion. Understanding the expansive reality of Christ will move us beyond any attempts to corral or capture God into our exclusive group. As the New Testament dramatically puts it, “Before the world was made, we have been chosen in Christ . . . claimed as God’s own, and chosen from the very beginning” (Ephesians 1:4, 11) “so that God could bring everything together, in heaven and on earth, as a plan for the fullness of times” (1:10). If all of this is true, we have a theological basis for a very natural religion that includes everybody. The problem was solved from the beginning.7

The rites and wisdom in our spiritual tradition are a seed for contemplation of the experiences of God that become our witness to the “Good News”.

References

1	(n.d.). 1 John, chapter 2 - United States Conference. Retrieved December 30, 2019, from http://www.usccb.org/bible/1john/2
2	(n.d.). Psalms, chapter 96 - United States Conference. Retrieved December 30, 2019, from http://www.usccb.org/bible/psalms/96
3	(n.d.). Luke, chapter 2 - United States Conference. Retrieved December 30, 2019, from http://www.usccb.org/bible/luke/2
4	(n.d.). Daily Reflections - OnlineMinistries .... Retrieved December 30, 2019, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/daily.html
5	(n.d.). Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved December 30, 2019, from https://dailyscripture.servantsoftheword.org/
6	(n.d.). Meditations - The Word Among Us. Retrieved December 30, 2019, from https://wau.org/meditations/2019/12/30/
7	(2019, December 30). A Universal Pattern — Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved December 30, 2019, from https://cac.org/a-universal-pattern-2019-12-30/