Greetings on this the Friday after Epiphany
Readings: 1 John 5:5-13; Psalm 147:12-13, 14-15, 19-20; Luke 5:12-16
Summary
Who indeed is the victor over the world but the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God? And this is the testimony: God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever possesses the Son has life (1 Jn 5:5, 11-12a).
What does it mean to possess the Lord? To our modern ears this sounds like ownership and total domination. It has quite the negative connotation.
In theological terms to possess Jesus means to be self-possessed. That is, to achieve a certain mastery over ourselves as even Cain was urged to doin the Book of Genesis (poetically at the beginning of humanity): If you act rightly, you will be accepted; but if not, sin lies in wait at the door: its urge is for you, yet you can rule over it (Gen 4:7).
If possessed means to – own occupy and control – then all the more it means so in the self. To be self-possessed of this self control. Control over instinct, reactions, words, vices and building up the virtues, theological and cardinal. This self-mastery is not self-generated but Spirit-enabled—grace precedes effort, and effort cooperates with grace.
Reflection
The Gospel now shows us what this ‘possession’ looks like in flesh and blood.
Jesus proclaimed the Gospel of the Kingdom and cured every disease among the people (ref Mt 4:23).
Now there was a man full of leprosy in one of the towns where he was; and when he saw Jesus, he fell prostrate, pleaded with him, and said, “Lord, if you wish, you can make me clean.” Jesus stretched out his hand, touched him, and said, “I do will it. Be made clean.” And the leprosy left him immediately (Lk 5:12-13).
He cured every disease but as to self-mastery (self-possessed, possessed) we have a role to play!
For this man, in this case, he was given one private task: Then he ordered him not to tell anyone, but “Go, show yourself to the priest and offer for your cleansing what Moses prescribed; that will be proof for them.” (Lk 5:14).
- Take this healing into your heart (example): And Mary kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart (Lk 2:19).
- Follow the prescriptions of the Law (example): According to the law of Moses, they took him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord (Lk 2:22).
Personal Reflection
To possess Jesus is to allow ourselves to be shaped by him—until our reactions, desires, and actions begin to resemble his. To possess Jesus is to be a master of our personhood. Allowing by the same power of Spirit, water, and Blood to guide us to eternal life, and this life is in his Son.
Sacred Readings full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/010926.cfm
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry