Christmas Weekday
(I John 2:29-3:6; John1:29-34)
Christians should realize that their actions often contrast
to the prevailing norms of society. Because
of this reality, the first reading today says, “The reason the world does not
know us is that it did not know (Christ).”
Where Christians strive for the good of others, the world seeks
self-glory.
Fr. Richard Conlin of the Archdiocese of Vancouver used to
play college golf. Evidently, he had the
talent to pursue a professional career.
However, after going to Confession at the request of his mother for her
birthday present, his life changed. He
decided to lay aside his childhood dream in order to to become a priest. Today, he says, he gets to welcome other
prodigal sons and daughters into God’s loving embrace.
For most of us it is not a great sacrifice to be a
Christian. No one will harm us if we don’t
abide by worldly norms. The contrary is usually
the case. Christianity puts us in the
company of good people. The world may even
grudgingly admire us for constantly seeking the good of others.
