REFECTION/HOMILY FOR FRIDAY FIFTH DAY WITHIN THE OCTAVE OF CHRISTMAS 29TH DECEMBER 2023

REFECTION/HOMILY FOR FRIDAY, FIFTH DAY WITHIN THE OCTAVE OF CHRISTMAS 29TH DECEMBER 2023

1John 2:3-12; Ps.96; Luke 2:22-35

Love God by keeping His Commandments

Usually when people gather joyfully at the celebration of someone they have known, it is taken for granted that they love the person and so have come to celebrate with him or her. We are still in the season of Christmas wherein we rejoice at the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ. It could be taken for granted that it is because we love Christ and desire the salvation he has come to win for us, that is why we are joyful.

However, in the first reading of today, St. John tells us that it is not the mere act of celebrating that proves that we know and love the Lord. St. John is not oblivious of the fact that it is very possible for one to join in the celebration of Christmas without a heart of welcome to the baby Jesus.

So, if we must celebrate Christmas meaningfully – a celebration that truly speaks of our unity with the Lord, we must keep God’s commandments. To keep God’s commandments means to do the will of God at all times and in all circumstances. It involves acting and speaking not as one would want to but in conformity with tenets of the gospel. It also means to always consider what pleases the Lord in all that we do and say.

St. John further summarized the commandments of God as Love – a love that is genuine not camouflage. Christ did not come to deceive us but to truly save us out of his love for us. In the gospel reading, Simeon told Mary that the Child Jesus will be great on account of the positive impact he will bring to many lives and the evil he will overthrow. This definition of greatness remains true to this day.