Seventh Day within the Octave of the Nativity of the Lord
(I John 2:18-21; John 1:1-18)
In the first reading, the author, John the Presbyter, writes of antichrists. He finds them repugnant for having left his community. Later on in the document he refers to those who do not acknowledge that Christ has come in the flesh as having the “spirit of the antichrist” (4:2). The meaning of the passage is not clear, but given the times, an explanation can be attempted. “Antichrist” probably refers to one who denies that Jesus had a corporeal body. This belief (really disbelief) became fashionable in the first centuries after Christ. Dismissing Christ’s body enabled its adherents to deny the importance of their own bodies. They might eat and drink excessively, even engage in promiscuous relations.
The Son of God’s incarnation has enhanced the value of the human body. It no longer only serves only to sustain physical life but has become the means for people to work out their salvation. Through acts of mercy humans cooperate with divine grace to merit eternal life. Abuse of the body through overindulging in pleasure renders it less capable of meritorious work.
Taking our bodies seriously because Christ had a body is another worthy thought on the eve of a new year. We do not want to party so much tonight that our bodies will ache tomorrow. Also, we want to firmly resolve to eat and exercise prudently in 2025 so that our bodies may serve the glory of God.
