A decision of God

Greetings on this the Seventh Day in the Octave of Christmas
Readings: 1 Jn 2:18-21; PS96:1-2, 11-12, 13; Jn 1:1-18
Notes: So one last self criticism for the year. During the Christmas Octave we read about the activities and events of ordinary people in relation to the Divine. It really is wonderful: Shepherds, Mary, Joseph, Zachariah, Elizabeth, John the Baptist, Magi (Sunday’s gospel), Herod, etc.

All of this is grounded in and begins with the activity of God.
All of it can be thought of a response to Holiness as for good or evil we respond.

Good is better.

Christmas morning I preached this gospel portion: https://youtu.be/jqdI7AdQajA
The first readings are different as well as the Psalm and since Christmas is a Solemnity a second reading which is absent today.

• Christmas: Isaiah 52 and PS 98.
• Today: 1st John and PS 96.

Psalm 98 and 96, relationship:
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 (NABRE note on PS 96).

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year 2021!

First reading
But you have the anointing that comes from the Holy One, and you all have knowledge.
I write to you not because you do not know the truth but because you do, and because every lie is alien to the truth.

Stand fast in faith.
The Lord is faithful and will accomplish what he has promised.

Responsorial Psalm
Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice!

Alleluia Verse
The Word of God became flesh and dwelt among us.
To those who accepted him he gave power to become the children of God.

Gospel Portion
It was always the intention of God, before the thought of us to be, to be with us.
We, his creation, is His Joy.

In the beginning was the Word,
and the Word was with God,
and the Word was God.

And the Word became flesh
and made his dwelling among us,
and we saw his glory, the glory as of the Father’s only-begotten Son,
full of grace and truth.

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry