Thursday, January 2, 2014

Memorial of Saint Basil the Great and Saint Gregory Nazianzen

(I John 2:22-28; John 1:19-28)

Saints Basil and Gregory Nazianzen were fourth century bishops in the eastern part of the Roman Empire.  Because of their intimate friendship, they share a common feast day.  They also played a significant role in defending the divinity of Christ against the Arian heresy.  Their testimony to Christ may be likened to that of John the Baptist in today’s gospel.

In the Gospel of John the Jews from Jerusalem are set against Jesus.  Later in the gospel they will contest his claim that he gives his flesh to eat.  Here they play a similar role vis-à-vis John.  They first ask who he is and then if he might be related to the expected Messiah.  John’s replies must have frustrated them as he only claims to be the precursor of one is greater than he. 

We think that we may know who Christ is by saying that he is the Son of God.  But because he is that, we can never know him completely.  Yet this fact should not keep us from trying to know him more.  He will keep surprising us by both his gentleness and strength.  As the New Year takes shape, let us promise ourselves to make every effort to dialogue with Christ in order to know him better.

Wednesday, January 2, 2013

Memorial of Saint Basil the Great and Saint Gregory Nazianzen, bishops and doctors of the Church

(I John 2:22-28; John 1: 19-28)

Mere mention of “anti-Christ” raises the specter of consummate evil – the devil branded “666” coming to menace the whole world before Christ appears in glory. In the New Testament, however, the use of the terms conveys a less threatening figure. It only appears in four passages, all of which occur in the Letters of John and one of which we find in today’s first reading.

“Anti-Christ” in the Letters of John refers to anyone who refuses to accept Jesus as the Christ. They might be termed as well “against Christ” since they deny Christ’s coming in the flesh. Of course, the author of the letters finds these people subversive and despicable since they were once part of the Johannine community but have since followed the errant belief and may be leading others to follow suit.

Today we celebrate two great theologian saints, Basil and Gregory Nazianzen. They are apparently celebrated together because they were the best of friends. Perhaps more importantly here is that both wrote extensively to increase the understanding of the Blessed Trinity – how the Father and the Son have existed together with the Holy Spirit from the beginning of time and how Christ and the Spirit were sent from the Father to redeem and glorify humankind.