HOMILY FOR THE 5TH DAY WITHIN THE OCTAVE OF CHRISTMAS

Homily for the 5th day within the octave of Christmas

1 John 2:3-11; Luke 2: 22-35

In the first reading, St. John instructs us that the only condition upon which we can claim the knowledge of God is by fidelity to his commandments. He says: "Now by this we may be sure that we know him, if we obey his commandments. Whoever says, I have come to know him but does not obey his commandments is a list and truth does not exist in such a person" (1Jn 2:3-4). 

In this context, St. John uses the term 'know' to refer not to the 'intellectual' or 'doctrinal' knowledge of God but rather to the intimate relationship with Jesus that is founded on love.

What is this new commadment by which everyone will come to know you as my disciples?: "Love one another as I have loved you" ( John 13: 34-35). This becomes the new standard and paradigm for judgement. 

Beloved in Christ, how intimate is your relationship with Jesus whom you assert to know? Is it only intellectually dependent or it is rooted on love, fidelity to God's commandments and communion with God?

The Gospel reading today, however, we hear the narrative of the presentation of Jesus in the Temple by the parents. In this context, Simeon, a righteous and devout man, guided by the Holy Spirit, took Jesus in his arms uttered the 'Nunc Dimittis'. Simeon recognised  in the infant Jesus, presented by Mary; the 'long awaited Messiah', the 'spiritual treasure' that God had given to Israel and to humanity for salvation; the light for revelation even to the Gentile (LK 2:30-32). Acknowledging the universality of Jesus' mission. 

Simeon instructed that the infant Jesus is a sign of contradiction. He is destined for the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be opposed (LK 2:34). 

Dearest brothers and sisters in Christ, even though the world will reject us, let us faithfully remain living signs of Jesus Christ to all. Living signs of his compassionate heart to heal the sick, forgive sinners and comfort the sorrowful. Let us be living signs of the love of Jesus, a love that is stronger than sin and death. Let us be living signs of Jesus'fidelity, living signs of the Good Shepherd who came to serve and not be served. 

Simeon said to Mary: "A sword will pierce your soul too" (LK 2:35). Obviously, Mary remained intimately United with her son's sacrifice. She becomes for us an example of conscious and generous self-giving to God, a close collaborator in God's plan through her presence.

Friends in Christ, obviously, Mary invites us to adapt an attitude of complete availability to God's project and never give up along the chosen path of salvation. 

Through the intercession of the Holy Spirit may we be elightened as Simeon was to continually deepen our knowledge, place and love of Jesus in our lives. 

Merry Christmas to you all

Fr Remi osj