Greetings on this the Christmas Weekday
Readings: 1 JN 2:29–3:6; PS 98:1, 3CD-4, 5-6; Jn 1:29-34
Notes
For most people reflection and reflective spirit is not a practice. Sadly, most people are reactive. Yet, our readings today ask us to be reflective. What is going on? Who is the Active Agent? What is the purpose of all this story telling? Without reflection, we choose to skip the importance of the Christmas season and instead wallow in the mundane pain and agony of daily life. I say it that way because the joy of daily life requires… reflection.
Summary
John the Baptist clearly reflected upon the events. Twice he is given to say: I did not know him, I did not know him. Of course he knew Jesus and his aunt and uncle, Zachariah and Elizabeth. Of course his family told him the stories of the Annunciation, Visitation, Vision of Joseph, Vision of Zechariah, and the Magnificat. He knew these things. He wanted to know them in the heart by reflecting upon them.
Even John had his own visitation: the one who sent me to baptize with water told me, ‘On whomever you see the Spirit come down and remain, he is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.’ Now I have seen and testified that he is the Son of God. But in the end, it is simply this.
If we refuse to reflect, none of this has any meaning at all.
Reflection
John the Baptist is quoted as saying: ‘A man is coming after me who ranks ahead of me because he existed before me.‘ Since you know the infancy narrative you know that Elizabeth was six months pregnant with John before Mary’s allowing the Holy Spirit to overshadow her. John is OLDER than Jesus. For him to say Jesus existed before me is a mysterious statement. Either he had hint of the divinity of the Son of God or he had a sense of the ‘rank’ and ‘wisdom’ of Jesus beings far superior to his own. Take your pick or some of both. Now I have seen and testified that he is the Son of God.
Personal Reflection
My love of sacred Scripture is not based on the scripture as a disconnected reality from the person of God. God forbid it! Rather it is a way to engage the person of God in ways both affect, intellect and spirit. My friends, IF YOU CONSIDER, you will find the truth that sets you free.
First Reading
See what love the Father has bestowed on us that we may be called the children of God. Yet so we are.
Responsorial
All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God.
Gospel Acclamation
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
John the Baptist saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world. John testified further, saying, “I saw the Spirit come down like a dove from the sky and remain upon him. I did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water told me, ‘On whomever you see the Spirit come down and remain, he is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.’ Now I have seen and testified that he is the Son of God.”
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry