The Sixth Day in the Octave of Christmas
(I John2:12-17; Luke 2:36-40)
The first addressees of today’s first reading are probably
not kids, but the “fathers” and the “young men” addressed next. The writer, called “John, the Presbyter”, sees
himself as a father figure instructing his “children.”
The Presbyter teaches a perennial lesson: beware of the
world’s enticements. He knows that they can
easily lead one away from salvation won by Christ. Concupiscence or lust, envy or desire for what
others have, and pretension or thinking one is better than who she or he is deprive
many of true happiness.
As we enter a new year, we can make a resolution not to be blindsided
by lust, envy, or pretension. Rather we must
keep our eyes and hearts firmly on Jesus.
