Thursday after Epiphany
(I John 4:19-5:4; Luke 4:14-22)
The world loves politics and sports because in these
pursuits there are clear victors. In
politics every four years or so, a society will elect its leader. One candidate will defeat another in the
contest of winning the people’s confidence.
In sports winners more frequently gain recognition. The competitions for championships in college
and pro football currently hold the people’s attention.
But in personal life victors and losers are not so nicely
distinguished. For sure Christ has won for
the world a victory over sin and death.
However, sin still lurks in the background tempting people constantly. Like honey in a beehive, sin has strong appeal
although a thousand bees are at hand to attack anyone that comes near.
We must remain close to Christ if we are to benefit from his
victory. As the Letter of John tells us,
faith in Christ means keeping his commandment to love. And as Jesus proclaims in today’s Gospel, our
love like his must be manifest by gracious action.
