The Seventh Day in the Octave of Christmas
Today we read the powerful opening to John’s Gospel, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.” In this Christmas season we celebrate that very light who was born in a humble stable in Bethlehem, where the incarnation of God’s word first became visible.
As the gospel passage continues we read that there was a man sent from God, whose name was John. “He came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. He himself was not the light, but he came to testify to the light.” John the Baptist’s life was dedicated to being a witness to Jesus. He knew he was not the light others waited for. Pope Francis says,“The Church is fruitful and a mother when she witnesses to Jesus Christ.” Just like John the Baptist, we are called to enter into a relationship with Jesus, to receive his message and go out and spread it. Receiving the Eucharist and spending time in prayer are ways of deepening this message in ourselves. Through God’s grace, we can hope to become what we receive—the body of Christ.
As we reflect on the challenges of 2020, we can be sure that this eventful year has left us lasting memories both good and bad. Despite the difficulties we have faced, we can turn our gaze to God to sustain us in the many challenges of life. We need light in the darkness and hope in the uncertainty that is around us. God has given us the Word and the living word of scripture to guide us. Let us pray that we will welcome and appreciate His words more fully. Perhaps a worthwhile exercise might be to re-read the prologue from John’s gospel out loud, then come back and dwell on one word or phrase that resonates within us. What word or phrase is God calling us to hear so that we also can be a witness for God in the new year?
-Jessica Gabrielli