Memorial of Saint
Basil and Saint Gregory Nazianzen, bishops and doctors of the Church
(I John 2:22-28; John 1:19-28)
The First Letter of John hinges on the belief that Christ
came in the flesh. This explains its use
during the Christmas season. In the
first century doubters argued that Christ was an angel-like being who saved
through revealing the divine will. Of
course, if he were only spiritual, he would not have been like us. Nor could he
have sacrificed himself to redeem us from our sins. And we would not have gained
an eternal destiny.
Today’s passage references the anointing the faithful receive
after Baptism and at Confirmation. This sign
assures that the Holy Spirit has penetrated our being. The Spirit inculcates in us the sense of being
joined to Christ so that we share in his crucifixion and resurrection. Now as members of the Christian community,
the Body of Christ, we receive all the support necessary to live a life of
justice.
The lesson on the Holy Spirit fits the feast of Saints
Basil the Great and Gregory Nazianzen.
These two Fathers of the Eastern Church commented extensively on the
work of the Holy Spirit. Also, their self-effacing
friendship epitomizes the communal assistance necessary for the Christian quest
of eternal life.
