The Seventh Day in the Octave of Christmas
(I John 2:18-21; John 1:1-18)
People may find it curious that the Church ends the calendar year with a reading from the beginning of one of the gospels. However, those who remember the so-called Tridentine Mass will recognize the passage as the “last gospel.” It is still read at the closing of every mass celebrated according to the 1962 edition of the Roman Missal.
The passage itself summarizes the story that the gospel writer is about to tell. The Word of God, Jesus Christ, existed before creation and is the source of all that is. Although he is one with God, he came to live among humans to enlighten for them the path of righteousness. Unfortunately, humans often reject the light of Christ like coyotes running for cover at sunrise. But to those who brave the embarrassment of having their sins exposed, Christ confers the grace of repentance and forgiveness.
Today is a choice day for making resolutions of how we intend to live in the future. Let us resolve to walk according to the light of Christ during the coming year. Let us commit ourselves to reject what is bad, to do what is good, and to consult Church teaching for assistance in distinguishing between the two.
