Homily: Friday of the Second Week of Christmas
Friday of the Second Week of Christmas (John 5:5-13) “Concrete Proof”
How do we know that Jesus is Lord? The writer of John gives two proofs for Jesus’ status as Son of God. John talks about testimony in water and blood.
When we think about how Jesus is identified in the Gospel, we know that he was identified in the water. At the Baptism of Jesus in the Jordon (Mt. 3:17) a voice is heard in the heavens saying, “This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased.” This episode inaugurates the ministry of Jesus on earth.
At the end of Jesus life, as he died on the cross, we hear another voice declaring that Jesus is the Son of God. When Jesus dies (Mk. 15:39) a centurion observing the manner of his death, remarks, “Truly this man was the Son of God.
We could also ask the question as to how we know that Jesus is alive and active in our world today? What proof is there that Jesus is making a difference? The answer to that question could again come down to the symbols of water and blood.
People are still being baptized today. Observation tells us that there is no worldly benefit from being baptized. When someone is baptized, they submit to Christian discipline which requires that they become a servant to all. The Christian is asked to love their neighbor and their enemy. The proof of Jesus’ continued presence in the world is that there are still people who want to live the life of self-sacrifice that Jesus did.
Another proof of Jesus’ existence in our world today is the Eucharist (blood). The Eucharistic action is like an ongoing act of faith. Each time we receive the Eucharist we promise to become what we receive. In fact, in the early days of the church the Eucharistic ministers might distribute the Eucharist with that admonition, “Become what you receive.” When we see people receiving Eucharist it is a proof that Jesus lives.
Reflection Questions:
- Is my Baptism the most important thing that has ever happened to me? Why or why not?
- When I partake of the Eucharist does it change me? How?
Dear Parishioners,
This weekend we have the official end to the Christmas season with the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord this Sunday. Has it been a spiritually productive time?
I once read a reflection at the end of the Christmas season that went something like this:
“The Christmas tree has been put away. The presents have been unwrapped and put in their proper places. The cookies have all been consumed. Our relatives have all gone back home. The shepherds have returned to the fields with their flocks. The magi have gotten on their camels and have gone west. The angels have flown to the heavens. Now the work of Christmas begins.
We must feed the hungry. We must visit the sick. It is time to console the sorrowing. We must give shelter to the homeless. It is time to care for the migrant. This is the moment to commit to peacemaking. Yes, the Good work now begins.”
May Our Lady and All the Angels and Saints watch over us.
Fr. Mark